Gillingham midfielder Zane Albarus on the decision to leave Premier League Brighton and the role played by manager Gareth Ainsworth

New Gillingham midfielder Zane Albarus admitted he knew he had to leave Brighton at the start of last season.

It took him 12 months to find a new home as the 20-year-old midfielder made a positive impression on his Gills debut at the weekend.

Albarus helped Brighton under-21s win the Premier League 2 play-off final but knew he had to leave for his own development.

“I think for me, I probably really clocked it from the start of last season,” revealed Albarus.

“I thought, especially with under-21s football, you don't really want to be too old still playing in the 21s team.

“You want to really be kicking on with your career, playing professional football and senior men's football as well so, for me, I probably realised it from the start of last season.

“I'm just glad that at the start of this season I've managed to find myself a club and I can properly kickstart my career.

“I didn't manage to get out on loan either (last season) so this is actually my first experience playing in senior football.

“I'm obviously adapting week by week, just getting used to it all.”

Albarus started for the Gills against Luton in the Carabao Cup defeat, playing alongside Robbie McKenzie in the centre of midfield.

He came off midway through the second half but still did enough to earn the sponsors’ man-of-the-match award.

“I was really happy to start because, hopefully, it's a reflection of my pre-season, that I was performing well,” he reflected.

“Obviously I was flattered I got the man-of-the-match but personally I think I could be better. Hopefully I can display that throughout the season.

“I can perform better than that I'd say personally, in possession as well as showing a bit more quality and composure.

“Hopefully I keep on performing well