Brighton youngster Alexis Mac Allister is "ready to go" and "itching to play football" after an abortive start to his career at the Amex Stadium, according to Graham Potter.

The Seagulls return to Premier League action when they host Arsenal on Saturday and the manager gave a positive update on the 21-year-old Argentina midfielder.

Potter told Brighton & Hove Independent: "He’s not really been able to integrate himself or adjust to British culture as much as he would like, because for the first few weeks of lockdown he was stuck in his flat.

"But he’s a professional and determined guy and came back in really good shape, like the rest of the players. He’s itching to play football. He’s had a tough introduction to life over here. But he’s got a smile on his face and he’s ready to go."

Mac Allister was signed by Brighton back in January 2019 but spent last year on loan in his homeland with Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors, with one goal and two assists in 13 games for the latter.

The twice-capped Argentina international returned to England at the start of this year and has thus far played only once for the Seagulls, coming on as a substitute for the final 10 minutes of the goalless draw at Wolves in March.

He showed some impressive flashes during that cameo at Molineux, registering one shot and putting in three crosses, and could well have built on that appearance had it not been for the coronavirus-enforced postponement of the Premier League a week later.

Brighton have not been the most fearsome of attacking forces in the Premier League this season - Neal Maupay is their only player to score more than three goals in 2019/20, while Leandro Trossard is their leading assists provider with four (as per TransferMarkt).

There could be a niche for someone to step up and add a greater impetus in the final third and hopefully Mac Allister can be that man. He may only be taking the first baby steps in his Brighton career now but he might yet prove to be a timely addition to the side as they bid to secure their Premier League status for another season.

Brighton fans, do you hope to see plenty more of Mac Allister in the coming weeks? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below!