In what has been an exceptional season for Brighton & Hove Albion, the South Coast side sit second in the Sky Bet Championship, seemingly in an unassailable position for automatic promotion.

After the double disappointment of just missing out on automatic promotion last season and falling short in the play-offs, Chris Hughton's side has come back stronger and more hungry for success.

With a blend of both youthful exuberance and much-needed experience, Chris Hughton has created a squad which has the perfect balance.

Chris Hughton's willingness to offer young players the opportunity to play regular first team football coupled with Brighton's productive academy has been an outright success.

With a proud record of bringing young players through the academy into the first team set-up, the next generation of young stars will be hoping they can follow in the footsteps of Solly March.

FLW writer Elliott Wheat-Bowen looks at two young Brighton stars who will be worth serious money in the years to come.

Rob Hunt

As one of the emerging stars of Brighton's academy, the 21-year-old defender has become increasingly utilised by Chris Hughton in Brighton's first team set-up.

Hunt featured in both Brighton's victory over MK Dons in the FA Cup as well as making his Championship debut coming on as a second-half substitute in the victory over Burton Albion.

Although Chris Hughton has decided to allow Rob Hunt to leave temporarily on loan to Sky Bet League 1 side Oldham Athletic in search of regular first-team football, there is no doubt that the full-back has a bright future at the club.

Chris Hughton may see Rob Hunt as the natural replacement for 36-year-old full-back Bruno who is nearing the end of his footballing career.

If Rob Hunt does become a regular for Brighton, it would come as no surprise to see Premier League sides showing an interest in the young full-back with a willingness to spend serious money to attempt to prise him away from the South Coast side.

Christian Walton

After joining Brighton's academy from Plymouth Argyle, Christian Walton has progressed through Brighton's academy system like Rob Hunt.

Similar to Rob Hunt, Christian Walton has spent a number of spells away from the club on loan at Bury, Plymouth Argyle and Luton Town.

The 21-year-old goalkeeper has a wealth of lower league experience for his age.

Walton has proved to be one of the brightest young goalkeepers in the Football League.

Although Walton has yet to make an appearance for Brighton & Hove Albion, the England Under 21 international is one for the future as a potential long-term understudy to David Stockdale.

Once Walton begins to play regular first-team football at Championship level and demonstrates his ability to perform at such a high level, Walton will be one of Brighton's young stars who will be worth serious money in years to come.