Albion’s latest potential gem has been held back by his club for Champions League action.

Romanian teen Adrian Mazilu is preparing for his first match since the Seagulls confirmed they will sign him in January.

They will decide his next step then, having kept close tabs on his performances in the first half of the season.

The 17-year-old winger did not feature for Farul Constanta in the league at the weekend as his coach Gheorghe Hagi rested key players.

His first game as a confirmed Albion signing comes away to Sheriff in Tiraspol today in the Champions League qualifying rounds.

Albion technical director David Weir said the club have been watching Mazilu for “a while”, adding: “We will watch his progress through until January and then decide on his next steps.”