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Tariq Lamptey is facing a fight of his career at Brighton but the pacey winger remains optimistic that it won’t be long before he’s back as a regular for the Seagulls.

Born in Hillingdon, Tariq is used to adversity. In fact, he was just about written off before his journey even started because of his size while a youth at Chelsea.

He was the smallest of the academy team when he joined at eight - but he was also the most fiercely competitive. He knows the best way to face life is accept how you are and use it to your advantage.

His Brighton career started well, but niggling injuries have slowed him down and against Liverpool he only got a minute as a late substitute as Brighton thrashed Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Brighton wing back Tariq Lamptey has had to be patient for his chances in the Premier League this season

Tariq doesn’t hide from the fact that he would like to play more and contribute to this Brighton team.

The 22-year-old told our sister title LondonWorld: “I really want to keep enjoying my football and that is why I came here. And for me this is really important - the hard work is done in the training and keeping a positive mindset - and I’m sure my time will definitely come, as I enjoy days like this.

“Every player has a time they don’t play a lot but that is when you must work hard and fight back to prove what you are made of.”

When players are not playing a lot there is the tendency to withdraw from the manager and just focus on the game. But Tariq said he finds his new manager Roberto De Zerbi interesting in that he reminds him of himself.

When De Zerbi replaced Graham Potter, concerns were voiced that the club would lose what made it such an interesting Premier League side - the identity and a brand of football that made it attractive for talents like Tariq and Billy Gilmour.

Tariq Lamptey issues Roberto De Zerbi claim as ex-Chelsea ace faces Brighton battle