LOAN star Ben White says his "amazing" season with Newport County AFC has helped him earn a new deal with Brighton & Hove Albion, which will keep him with the Seagulls until at least 2021.

The 20-year-old central defender is a product of the Albion academy set-up, and he feels his exploits with the Exiles this season were a big factor in him earning a new contract at the Amex Stadium.

He told the Brighton Argus: “I’m delighted because it’s been a good season for me on loan at Newport County and I feel as though I’ve been rewarded for that.

“The deal here means the club have put faith and trust in me – it’s really big for myself and my family.

“I was released from Southampton when I was 16 and this club gave me a scholarship and took me all the way until now, so I’m very grateful for that.”

White has impressed with his performances on loan at Rodney Parade, and discussed some of the aspects of his game which he feels have improved during his time in League Two.

“It’s been amazing for me," he added. "I’ve got some competitive games under my belt every week and I’ve been playing against all kinds of opposition in front of crowds – it’s been invaluable.

“It was my first senior loan spell and I was bit anxious at first – but they’re the best group of lads I’ve played with. It’s taught me to believe in myself and have confidence in my ability as a footballer.

“It’s a physical division and the biggest challenge is adjusting from academy level.

“I’d say the aerial challenges in the league took me time to adapt to, the ball spends a lot of time in the air during games and there are a lot of physical forwards.”

South Wales Argus:

White picked out the FA Cup clashes with Tottenham Hotspur as the highlight of his time with County.

“The cup run was amazing," he said. "What we achieved and the manner in which we secured the game with Tottenham Hotspur was brilliant.

“Then we nearly beat them in the home tie, but to then play at Wembley Stadium was a dream come true.

“Facing Harry Kane was great for me and I feel like I more than held my own against him.

“His movement was very clever and he always made sure he got himself in-between me and the ball all the time as well, and he was very sharp.

“As soon as the draw was made I got a lot of messages from everyone – but it was a challenge I took in my stride because of the way I’d proved myself before during the campaign – I’m confident against everyone I come up against.”