'Rushworth or Steele' - fans on next number one being in-house
[BBC] [Getty Images] We asked for your views on who will be Brighton's first-choice goalkeeper next season, as transfer rumours continue to swirl around current number one Bart Verbruggen. The Seagulls already have some options in-house with Jason Steele recently being called up to the England national team, Carl Rushworth impressing on loan at Coventry City, and James Beadle getting minutes in on loan at Birmingham City. Here are some of your thoughts: Miles: If Verbruggen goes then I think Rushworth should come back to Brighton and vie with Steele for the number one spot.
Steele has shown in the past that he is a competent Premier League goalkeeper so, if Rushworth is not ready, there is no problem. If Verbruggen stays then I would've thought an extended loan to Coventry City would suit all parties. Stoke: If, as expected, Verbruggen has a successful World Cup and moves on to one of Europe's super power teams, Rushworth will be Brighton's number one next season.
If Verbruggen signs a new contract, Rushworth will move on to one of Europe's top teams for a lot of money (as is standard for Brighton). James: If Verbruggen stays, he will be number one. If he leaves, then I think Steele will become number one and Rushworth will be on the substitutes bench.
Roger: Having followed Rushworth on his Albion career path since his early loan spell with non-league Worthing, his potential has shone out. At Worthing and each subsequent step-up, Rushworth has proven himself worthy of the trust of his coaches and teammates. Each step up has been a personal challenge which he has undertaken with unquenchable self-belief.
Above all, he has earned the trust of his masters at Brighton and his time is now. Offer Steele a coaching role at the club before the FA pip you to the post, give Rushworth a season as understudy to Verbruggen, and then accept the inevitable and cash-in on our heroic Dutchman.