Shane Duffy has admitted he probably deserved to be left out of the Albion starting line-up for the first time.

The centre-back has described his shock omission from the recent game at Manchester City as a kick up the backside.

But, as he prepares for a return to the Newcastle ground where he made his Seagulls debut more than three years ago, he has told The Argus he is convinced he can play a big role for his club this season.

Duffy is competing with Dan Burn, Adam Webster and Leon Balogun for a place alongside skipper Lewis Dunk, although boss Graham Potter started with all four against Burnley.

Albion’s reigning player of the year said of his Etihad omission: “Webby is a good player and Dan has been brilliant so I understood it.

“I probably didn’t perform to where their levels are this year so it’s one of them – a kick up the a… and get back at it.

“It’s not about me, it’s about this team and this club and I got behind the lads.

“I felt I am good enough to get back in the team so keep pushing and the manager has been good with me.”

Duffy has made 107 league starts for Albion, the first of them in August, 2016, at St James’ Park after his then club record switch from Blackburn Rovers.

He has been a big part of clean sheets on the Seagulls’ last two visits to Newcastle.

In The Argus today, he talks candidly about being left out for the first time at the club, regaining his place, the adaptation he is making to life under Potter – and doing his bit to help young compatriot Aaron Connolly.