Jan Paul van Hecke sends clear message to Graham Potter and drops loan hint after Blackburn success

Jan Paul van Hecke will compete alongside fellow defenders Shane Duffy and Matt Clarke to be part of Graham Potter’s plans in the Premier League this season
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Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke is hoping to force his way into Graham Potter's Premier League plans this season.

Van Hecke enjoyed an excellent season loan at Blackburn in the Championship and now hopes to make the step up to the Prmeier League.

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The 22-year-old centre back was part of Potter's pre-season camp in Portugal and also featured in the friendly against Union SG.

Jan Paul van Hecke enjoyed a successful loan in the Championship with Blackburn last season and is now pushing for a place in Graham Potter's Premier League plansJan Paul van Hecke enjoyed a successful loan in the Championship with Blackburn last season and is now pushing for a place in Graham Potter's Premier League plans
Jan Paul van Hecke enjoyed a successful loan in the Championship with Blackburn last season and is now pushing for a place in Graham Potter's Premier League plans

Albion have key defensive decisions to make this season with van Hecke, Shane Duffy and Matt Clarke all competing alongside Lewis Dunk, Joel Veltman and Adam Webster for first team minutes.

The Netherlands under-21 international keen to take his opportunity but also has not ruled out another laon this season.

"Hopefully I can do very well and maybe I can go for my chance," van Hecke said.

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"Yes it is [my aim to be part of the first team squad] but it depends also on how it goes.

"If you see maybe another loan or you need to go somewhere then I can. But if I can see I am close to the team and help and get minutes then of course, but the manager needs to see that as well.

"But I am really looking forward to it and I have a lot of confidence."

Meanwhile, Albion are in the race to sign Austrian international Florian Grillitsch.

Grillitsch is a free agent after his contract at Hoffenheim expired this summer – the 26-year-old has also attracted interest from Arsenal.