What a month Simon Adingra is having, writes Nick Park.

In the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) he was influential in guiding the Ivory Coast to victory.

They were worthy winners in the final, battling against Nigeria as he assisted in both his country’s goals.

He received the Young Player of the Tournament award, testament to the abilities and skills this Seagulls youngster possesses.

On his return to Sussex, Adingra was presented with a hero’s welcome back.

His team-mates greeted him with a guard of honour.

The fans were given the opportunity to witness this, giving Adingra a standing ovation.

They saw him draped in the Ivory Coast’s flag. His winning medal also was adorned around his neck for all to marvel at as well.

If this was not enough, Adingra was rewarded with a brace in a 5-0 demolishing of Sheffield United at Bramall Lane last Sunday. This is a clear indication of his goalscoring prowess.

He is an attack-minded individual and is not afraid to take on the opposition, especially in one-on-one situations.

Furthermore, he is gifted with a ‘never give up’ attitude and highlighted this on Saturday, especially when Albion fell behind to an Everton goal.

He was determined to get his club back in the encounter and accomplished this, along with his other colleagues present, successfully.

Adingra had led his colleagues on to the pitch with an applause from the crowd.

He was wearing his winning medal yet again.

In the matchday programme, speaking about his AFCON triumph, he said: “We play football to win trophies, and this was part of my dream.”