As we reported earlier in the week, 21-year-old midfielder Martin Brittain has been released by Newcastle, and we predicted he wouldn't be out of work for long.

Ex-Newcastle striker Mark McGhee is manager of Brighton and he is first to throw the youngster a league life-line.

McGhee had two spells at St James' Park, the first in 1977 when he arrived as a raw youngster from Morton, then in 1989 after winning everything in Scottish football with Aberdeen and Celtic (including the European Cup Winners Cup).

Brittain made eight appearances in total for the Magpies, but only one in the starting line up. He is set to play in Brighton's friendly match against Worthing on Saturday.