Brighton defender Tommy Elphick is determined his second season as a first-team player will be just as good as his first.

The 21-year-old midfielder was named 2007/8 Albion player of the season after putting in some consistent performances despite a hernia operation during the middle of the campaign.

Elphick told The Argus: "I'm not worried about second season syndrome.

"It has happened to loads of players down the line - I'm not one to rest on what I have done. I'm looking to improve even more next season.

"I had my injury halfway through the season. I hadn't played so many games at this level before so it was important for me at that time to get myself right.

"There is not really a summer for a footballer anymore. You are always trying to improve."