Former Albion boss Mark McGhee believes his old club have got a gem in new goalkeeper Graeme Smith.

Seagulls manager Russell Slade swooped to land the highly-rated 26-year-old on a Bosman free from Motherwell this week.

McGhee, who worked with Smith for two years at Fir Park, has underlined how good a deal that represents.

The new Aberdeen chief said: “I could have sold him several times.

“I’m not talking about millions of pounds but hundreds of thousands – but we were determined to keep him.

“We were offered £200,000 and more and not just by Hearts.

“He did a sterling job for me in two years I was there and didn’t make many mistakes at all.

“He was a very important part of my team and worked very hard with goalkeeping coach Colin Meldrum.

“He improved his kicking, his distribution really came on and he did some good strength work in the gym.

“He has got a great work ethic and is a good goalkeeper. I think the crowd will like him as well because he is a bit of a character.”

Motherwell had offered Smith a new deal while Hibs were also interested in signing him.

However, the 26-year-old was keen for a new challenge and spoke with McGhee about a switch to Brighton before deciding to make the long move south.

McGhee added: “I told him to jump at the chance.”