Albion are eyeing Scotland when it comes to preparing players this season.

And one of their former wingers believes they can do a lot worse than looking north.

The Seagulls head to Ibrox tomorrow to face champions Rangers in what should be a testing first friendly of pre-season.

They have also agreed a link-up with Hibernian which could be used to help develop players or coaches.

Meanwhile two of their brightest hopes from the under-23s have already gone north of the border on loan.

Teddy Jenks is with Aberdeen and Alex Cochrane has joined Hearts.

Jamie Murphy will be particularly interested to see how the Hibs tie-up goes as a senior professional at the Edinburgh club.

The former Rangers and Albion wideman might also cast an eye on how his two previous clubs go in their Ibrox runout.

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What he knows for sure is that experiences gained in Scotland will be of value to Albion.

And that the Scottish league is not rated as highly down south as he believes it should be.

Asked whether the English tend to under-rate Scottish league football, Murphy told The Argus: “Absolutely!

“Going from when I was down south, I know that the Scottish league is sometimes looked down upon.

“But when you are in it you know it’s a good league and there are some good, good players here.

“You can see that from Celtic and Rangers being in Europe and doing well.

“The standard is high and getting better.”

Barring the Old Firm, Albion could not have gone any higher in their quest for a Scottish partner.

Hibs came third in the league last season and reached the cup final.

Murphy says that progress is largely based on youth development, which is why they might feel they have something in common with the Seagulls.

He said: “We had young Josh Doig breaking through and he won young player of the year in Scotland this year.

“It is a club where youth development is really important, as it is as Brighton as well. We have 18s and reserves, which is made up of league and friendly fixtures.

“The reserves sometimes play against teams up from England.”

Murphy says Albion have partnered with a progressive club.

He added: “I think a lot of it is to do with the manager (Jack Ross) and the sports director, Graham Mathie.

“They wanted to change how the club has been.

“They want the club to step forward as a whole, whether that is on or off the pitch.

“New training facilities and link-ups with bigger teams.

“We are improving the pitches we train on and the gym.

“They are always looking to make things better, certainly since I’ve been here.”

Murphy played 28 games with Rangers after leaving Albion although his time there was affected by injury.

He is delighted to see his old colleagues, notably Connor Goldson, secure title glory.

Now, at 31, he has a senior role at Hibs.

So he could yet end up mentoring any young Seagulls players who head north.

He said: “I’m still trying to fly down the wing!

“I have moved about a little bit.

“I have a lot of experience of playing different positions, which the manager wants to take advantage of.

“I am one of the older players now so any advice I can pass on to youngsters, hopefully that helps them.

“You never know, if anyone from Brighton comes up, I am sure I will be there to help them along.”