Aaron Connolly is grateful to Brighton boss Graham Potter for his first team chance.
Potter seems committed to blooding academy graduates, fielding nine in the recent EFL Cup game against Aston Villa.
Connolly told the Daily Mail: "The previous manager [Chris Hughton] gave me my debut against Barnet and I will never say a bad word about him. But this new gaffer is a breath of fresh air.
"He has looked after me and Steve. We were hoping for that chance to impress. He showed a lot of faith in us by letting other players leave the club. It's all about repaying that trust now."
