Julio Enciso plans to get back to his best in the Copa America – as he enjoys his football back home.

The Albion forward met adoring fans and donned his boots at a small-sided tournament at his local club in Paraguay.

He put in an appearance at a competition named in his honour.

Enciso showed skills and signed autographs for fans, some of whom were wearing replica Albion shirts, at the Libertadores La Joya event in Caaguazu, in rural eastern Paraguay.

He is popularly known as La Joya – or The Jewel – by his adoring fans back home.

The 20-year-old wants to give them something to cheer at the Copa America after admitting his frustrations during a 2023-24 Premier League campaign ruined by a knee injury.

Albion fans would love to see him fit and firing again next season after a successful Copa.

Enciso told The Argus: “God willing, I will be there.

“I spoke to my national team coach Garnero and he was putting confidence in me.

“I aim to be successful with the national team.”

Enciso has been impressed by Valentin Barco, the latest South American talent to head to the Amex.

He said: “Very good. Obviously he is also adapting to the league and we will try and help him.”

The Seagulls’ No.10 has been working on his English as he nears the second anniversary of his move from Libertad.

He said: “I am learning a bit at a time.

“It’s not so easy because I have got a lot of South American team-mates.

“But I’m trying to speak the language.”