NEWPORT County AFC have signed right wing-back Tyler Forbes on a one-year deal following his release by Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 22-year-old began his career as a youth player at the Preston North End Academy before securing a move Fleetwood Town in 2014 following the end of his scholarship.

Forbes scored two goals in 38 appearances for the Cod Army in League One and his performances earned him a big move to then-Championship outfit Brighton in 2016.

But he failed to make a first-team appearance for the Seagulls and, after a loan spell at Accrington Stanley last season he was released last month.

Forbes told iFollowExiles: “I spoke with the manager who has told me what he wants from a player like myself.

“I think Newport County AFC fits the criteria of how I want to play so I’m really looking forward to getting started.

"I just think that Mike Flynn is a down to earth manager and I think he’s like that because he’s played the game before and he knows his stuff. He sold the club to me.”

Exiles boss Michael Flynn said: “Tyler is a very exciting prospect. He has already had a six-figure move to a Premier League club and he is someone who has ambitions to get back to that level.

“He’s come here with a good pedigree for someone so young and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Former Burnley star Graham Alexander gave Forbes his professional debut when he was Fleetwood boss in 2014 and he’s a big fan of the youngster.

Alexander, a right-back himself during a playing career spanning more than 800 games, almost half of them for Preston, was also capped 40 times by Scotland.

"At Preston he was at a winger, stroke No. 10,” he told the Brighton Argus.

“He was quick and direct. We were playing a diamond at Fleetwood without wingers.

"We were playing an 11 v 11 game and needed a right-back. We brought him up from the under-20s just to play at right-back and he played really well, aggressive in his defending and getting forward as well.

"He's got a great attitude, really works hard at his game. He's hungry, desperate to make it as a senior professional.

"Only time will tell. I think he will adapt well to whatever environment he is in.

"He was competing with an international right-back at Fleetwood in Conor McLaughlin (of Northern Ireland). He held his own and played ahead of him in some games.

"He's definitely got the physical attributes of a modern day full-back, pace to get up and down the pitch.

"There are elements of his game he can improve but every player has those sort of issues. One thing with Tyler is if you direct him on how he can improve he'll go and do it.

"He has showed that he can play in various positions,” he added.

“I can see him playing in more forward positions as well, depending on what the coach or the manager sees, but he has certainly got the qualities to have a good career, without any doubt."