Albion have offered fans a massive boost – by securing their rising star Rohan Ince on a new two-and-a-half year contract.

Ince, 21, is now committed to the Seagulls until the end of the 2015-16 season.

He is widely regarded as a potential successor to Liam Bridcutt, the wantaway midfielder who is being courted by Sunderland boss Gus Poyet.

Ince first arrived at The Amex under Poyet’s management and was regarded as a central defender.

The former Chelsea youngster was converted into a midfield role by current head coach Oscar Garcia and it has proved to be an inspired decision.

Ince has revelled in the new position after enjoying his senior debut in August and has made a massive impact on the Championship.

Oscar said: “I am delighted for Rohan. He has earned this contract with the way he has trained and played ever since I came to the club.

“He has an excellent attitude every day, he looks after himself and works hard in training; and we are all seeing the benefit of that with his performances on the pitch.

“It is nice for the club to reward that hard work and professionalism with this new contract and I am very pleased for him.”