Jack Hinshelwood will be ready for anything as competition for places heats up.

The Albion midfielder has occupied different roles while becoming a first-team regular during recent injury problems.

Several senior players are expected to return in the coming weeks.

But Hinshelwood’s former development coach believes the 18-year-old has shown a footballing IQ which can be valuable for Roberto De Zerbi.

Albion under-21s coach Shannon Ruth said: “Jack is an extremely bright footballer.

“When he is involved in first-team training, he is listening to everything.

“Whether Roberto and his staff are talking to the central midfield players, the full-backs, whoever he is giving information to, Jack will be paying attention to ensure he is ready to play wherever he is put.

“I have got to say he has done fantastic and, as an academy, we are extremely proud of him.”

De Zerbi has played Hinshelwood at full-back, in a midfield role or even on the right of a back three.

Ruth said: “One of the key things for a Brighton player is tactical versatility.

“It is something we try and make sure we help implement through the pathway of the academy.

“Dominating a tactical game is one of our key strands.

“Jack would have played a mixture of centre-back for us early in the season, centre-midfield.”