Brighton U21 coach Andrew Crofts has no doubts Sam Packham has improved over the last year.
He recently completed a loan spell at top-flight Irish outfit Bohemians, where he started five games but was hindered by a calf injury.
Packham penned a new deal last week.
Crofts said: “It was great for Sam to be able to test himself in a different environment, as well as a different country.
“That will have given him a real opportunity to see what's required to make the step up to a men's first team and it was good to see him make a few appearances for Bohemians."
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