'My idol' - Brighton ace reveals favourite Champions League moment as Seagulls prepare for Leeds and Manchester United

The forward, who scored the third and final goal in the comfortable win over Wolves, said the ambition of playing in Europe’s elite competition is driving the team forward as they prepare for their final two matches against Leeds and Manchester United.

“It would be amazing,” said Minteh, who played in the Champions League with Feyenoord, on loan from Newcastle.

“I played once and I would like to play again.

"It’s a competition which is really important and nice. Everybody watches it.”

Brighton remain in contention for a major European spot, and Minteh stressed that qualification would come down to discipline and execution in the final fixtures.

“You have to win your last two games. You have to do your job,” he said.

“Everybody has to do their job really well so that we can get the spot. We know it’s going to be a great feeling. Everybody’s going to be happy.”

Minteh said his favourite Champions League moment was when Lionel Messi scored a header, for Barcelona, in the 2009 final win over Manchester United.

"Because of that game I started watching football,” he revealed.

"He is my idol.”

Despite the high stakes, Minteh said the dressing room atmosphere remains calm and focused, with players fully aware of what is required.

“Everybody’s calm because we know we have two more games left,” he said. “We’re excited for the win but we all have to focus on the next two.”

Minteh was delighted to see head coach Hurzeler sign a new contract. The forward, along with midfielder Carlos Baleba, pushed Hurzeler towards the crowd at the end of the Wolves match to celebrate the victory.

“We know he has been in difficult moments and now everything is going well,” Minteh said.

"He deserves it and we all know how hard it is for a coach when it’s not going well. At the moment it is going well. We need to give him his credit.”

The 21-year-old winger believes Brighton already have the quality to compete at the highest level, pointing to the squad’s ability to trouble any opponent when performing well.

“Everyone has quality in this team,” he added.

“If we play good, we hurt everybody. Everyone has the quality to play in the Champions League.”

Minteh also reflected on the importance of experience within the squad, highlighting the influence of senior players such as Lewis Dunk and James Milner in guiding the younger group through the pressure of a European race.

“They are really important for the team,” he remarked.

“They always push the young players and help you with their experience. If you make a mistake, they explain how to do it better next time.”

With two huge matches remaining, Minteh said Brighton’s focus is simple: deliver under pressure and secure sixth spot. This would be enough for Champions League football, if Aston Villa win their Europa League final.

It also hinges on Bournemouth failing to win against Manchester City and/or Nottingham Forest, as they currently sit one place above Brighton, with two extra points.

“Our games are really important,” Minteh said.

“We try to play for ourselves, our families and our fans. We want to make them happy.”