Graham Potter explains what's next for Portsmouth loan target Alex Cochrane

Yesterday's 0-0 draw with Newcastle was not only a pivotal moment for the club but also for Brighton's 20-year-old left back Alex Cochrane
Alex Cochrane in action for Brighton against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup last SeptemberAlex Cochrane in action for Brighton against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup last September
Alex Cochrane in action for Brighton against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup last September

Cochrane made a Premier League match day squad for the first time in his career as Brighton confirmed their top flight status with a fairly comfortable draw with midtable Newcastle on Monday night.

Cochrane didn't see any action on the pitch but the England under-20 international is certainly one of the more promising players from the under-23s.

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The Brighton born Cochrane made his full Albion debut with a solid performance within a very youthful side against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup defeat last September.

He has since trained with the first team and was promoted to the matchday squad to face Newcastle as Brazilian left back Bernardo withdrew with an eye infection.

Cochrane previously made numerous appearances for Albion's under-18s, and stepped up into Simon Rusk's under-23 side for the 2018/19 season.

His progress was rewarded last summer when he signed a new two-year deal, with the option for an additional 12 months.

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The club hold him in high regard and the next stage of his development could be loan move, with League One Portsmouth said to be very keen to take him next season.

"Bernardo had an infection on his eye," explained Potter after guiding his side to the crucial point against Newcastle. "It was swollen, he couldn't see out of his eye so we drafted Alex in just for a left foot defensive option.

"He has been with us throughout this lockdown period. He has impressed, he has a really good attitude and we like him.

"He is one of two, three or four young players where we need to sit down and think about the right pathway for them. But he is a god lad and I have really enjoyed working with him."

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Cochrane is a good athlete who defends well but like most modern day fullbacks he's also very attack-minded and links with the midfield.

He is skilful on the ball and for a young player reads the game well and is tactically aware. He has a good left foot and is very capable of delivering good crosses into the box when he gets forward.

He has been praised for his character and work-rate in training and he's captained the Albion youth teams on a number of occasions.

Brighton hope he can follow a similar path to Aaron Connolly and Steven Alzate, who both benefited from loan spells away from Brighton and returned to force their way into the first team.

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