James Milner says Albion fans can play spot the difference when action returns.

But he expects Fabian Huerzeler to build on the good work put in place by Roberto De Zerbi in the coming campaign.

The Seagulls get a first public outing under the new boss when they face Kashima Antlers in Tokyo today.

Milner signed a new deal towards the end of last season and his experience could be key as he returns from an injury which ended his debut Albion season early.

He can see changes to the way the team plays – without wanting to give details.

The former Liverpool man told The Argus: “There's a few new things, but obviously he wants to keep the things that we're good at as well, so he's not coming in and saying this is my way of playing and this is all we're doing.

“He knows the strengths of the teams, he knows the weakness of the team, he's obviously watched us a lot.

“And you can see that in the training sessions he's done and how he wants us to play and some of the sessions we've done.

“The boys have enjoyed the sessions and they have been tough, but it has been a good start to pre-season.

“I'm sure you'll see differences when we start playing 100%.

“You'll also see a continuation of the good work that was done from the managers before.

“I think there's only pluses that are keeping what was strong and trying to build on that and on the things that we could improve on and yourself.”

Key figures such as Lewis Dunk, Pascal Gross and Bart Verbruggen are all absent but Milner sees that as part of the challenge at this time of year.

And there can even be advantages.

He said: “Pre-season is always tricky with players coming back at different times.

“It’s not a complete squad, players coming back at different times, injuries from last year and things like that.

“So from the playing side that's obviously tricky.

“It’s a good time for the young players to come in and show what they're about and take a claim to be in the squad.

“New signings as well, which is good about being away, spending a lot of time together and getting to know each other.

“Our manager has been great since he's been here.

“Clear ideas, getting across how we want to play and how he wants to play and it's been a positive start.”

Milner was seen as a very shrewd addition this time last year as Albion went into their first European campaign.

Ultimately, he was not able to play that role as much as anyone would have been liked, having got off to a promising start.

There were times when his attributes would have been precious, including one night in Rome.

But he is looking as fit as ever in the demanding environment of Tokyo.

He said: “It was very frustrating after January picking up an injury, it was a frustrating time.

“I have worked very hard to get back. It was a testing time, but I worked as hard as I could.

“I am delighted to be here another year and be part of this team and the squad.

“It’s an exciting time with the new manager coming in.

“I'm really excited to work with him.

“There’s obviously a lot of young players around the squad.

“I want to give them as much help as I can give them as well.

“I'm excited about the project, the club and the team, and the club keep trying to push forward.”