Jeremy Sarmiento wants to play his way into Albion’s plans for the Premier League.

That is why he took the chance to join the trip to Japan rather than accepting the offer of a bit more holiday.

Sarmiento produced a clever, controlled finish to score the Seagulls’ second goal in the 5-1 win over Kashima Antlers.

He is one of several returning loanees or new signings looking to impress.

And he does so strengthened by a challenging loan stint in the Championship, then some productive displays with Ecuador in both the Copa America and the games which led up to that tournament.

Players who were involved in international football this summer are coming into the squad at different times and Sarmiento is delighted to be back to work with his club.

He told The Argus: “After the Copa America finished, I spoke to the gaffer and he gave me an option of whether I wanted to go on tour with the lads or come back after that.

“Obviously I was so keen to come back and show people what I have been doing in the past year from Ipswich and the Copa America.

“I am full of confidence right now and I just want to bring all here now and show the boss.

“I think I have matured as a player throughout the year.

“More game time, which is what I was looking for.

“I was involved in goals and assists, which is part of my game I wanted to improve.

“Now I have scored again and it feels good to be back with a goal.”

Sarmiento started last season with West Brom but a mid-season move to Ipswich reaped dividends.

He helped the Tractor Boys to promotion, making important contributions as an impact sub.

A late winner against Southampton stands out in the memory and that moment became more and more important as the promotion race developed.

The rigours of the Championship offered quite an experience and Sarmiento believes it made him stronger.

He said: “I feel sometimes like it could be harder than the Premier League because there are more games.

“There is more intensity, it is physical as well. That is part of the game.

“As a young player like me, I am here to carry on my improvement.

“The first part of last season when I was at West Brom didn’t really go how I wanted it to.

“I tried to make the most of it in the second half of the season at Ipswich.

“Just try to do well, end well, get back into that Ecuador team and hopefully open a few eyes coming back here.

“Coming back from a long season, the confidence is really there.”

It appears Ipswich would like to take Sarmiento back as they gear up for the top tier.

Sarmiento, though, has shown glimpses in the past of what he can do in Albion colours and would love to build on that.

He said: “We will see. These friendly games that we have in pre-season are games for me to perform and show the boss I can be part of the team.

“It is going well so far and I am really happy.”

Fabien Huerzeler had players buzzing around off a main frontman on Wednesday, be it Danny Welbeck or Abdallah Sima.

There were times when their tiring hosts looked bewildered by the array of attacking weapons coming their way as the crowd lapped it all up.

Sarmiento said: “We were like the home team really, obviously because of Kaoru (Mitoma), being Japanese.

“There was a lot of support for him but we see that a lot too in the Premier League. We are very grateful to the fans.

“They (Kashima) are a good team. I was speaking to Kaoru and he said they are a good team.

“In the first half we were good, comfortable.

“I think the game opened up more in the second half.

“The young boys went on, me as well, and scored a lot of goals and we enjoyed ourselves.

“It is very interesting what is happening here because there is a lot of talent in this team.

“I was away last year but I return with a lot of confidence to earn my place.”

And where would that fit in?

He said: “I can play anywhere up the field.

“Last time I was here with Roberto, I played more like a false nine.

“I can do that, play on the wing or as a No.10.

“I can play either side, it varies.”