Albion boss Chris Hughton says the time is right for Glen Rea to go out on loan.

The versatile Republic of Ireland under-21 international will join a League One or League Two club to widen his education.

The Seagulls have added Uwe Huenemeier and Connor Goldson to their centre-half options since Rea made his debut in the first round of the Capital One Cup at Southend.

Hughton told The Argus: “If anything he’s been fast-tracked over the pre-season and he’s been fortunate.

“Sometimes that happens because of non-availability or injury.

“Certainly the injury to Gordon Greer allowed Glen to play more games than perhaps he would have done but it’s been good for him and he’s done well for us overall.

“He was tested in the Southend game, which I think was really good experience for him. But he’s at that stage now where I think the next step is for him to go out on loan.

“Certainly after Tuesday’s game at Walsall we need to make some decisions on the team, then there will be some thought on the options we have for him to go out.”

Albion have already loaned out England under-20s goalkeeper Christian Walton to League One outfit Bury for the season.

Walton featured in Bury’s 4-3 home defeat by Fleetwood on Tuesday night.

Hughton added: “They are the type of games you want him involved in.

“We are realistic enough to know he is not going to keep clean sheets every week and he is probably going to learn more by at times having a really tough time.

“He’s gone to a very good club that are looking after him very well.”