Joel Veltman says his Albion compatriots at the back have learnt to be “smart”.

Even if it costs a yellow card.

The former Ajax and Holland right-back has been impressed by current internationals Bart Verbruggen, 22, and Jan Paul van Hecke, 24.

He believes they have become mature and streetwise competitors.

Verbruggen shone again last time out, in the win at Bournemouth.

And van Hecke also impressed despite a late yellow card when his foul prevented a possible counter-attack.

Veltman said: “They are doing amazing, for their age.

“I wasn’t there when I was that age so I can only respect that, especially how smart they are.

“The yellow card from JP is like he went all or nothing.

“If he didn’t get the ball he would get the man and take the yellow card for the team.

“That is being smart.

“And Bart, as a goalie you have to be stable all the time.

“He is doing that at the moment and is unreal for his age.”

Lewis Dunk has been training ahead of Southampton’s visit to the Amex tomorrow but van Hecke and Igor have done well as a defensive pairing of late.

A win would take the Seagulls into third place pending results over the weekend.

Veltman said: “We are in a good place to go into Europe but it is still so early.

“Every game we have to see as a final.

“Friday it is Southampton at home. we have a good run, we will see where we are.”