Jack Hinshelwood expressed his delight at returning to action for Brighton after scoring in their European win over FK Kauno Zalgiris on Thursday night.

The midfielder marked his comeback with a goal as the Seagulls overcame a stubborn Lithuanian side, with Georginio Rutter also finding the net.

Hinshelwood praised his team-mates for their patience and admitted he had missed being involved during Brighton’s impressive recent run of form.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Hinshelwood explained how much it meant to be back on the pitch representing his boyhood club.

“It’s nice to just be back with the boys,” he said.

“They have been on such a good run, and I have really missed it out there, so to be back out there tonight, fighting for this badge which I love doing is the main thing tonight.”

Brighton were made to work for the result against Kauno Zalgiris, who frustrated the hosts for long periods.

However, Rutter produced a moment of quality to break the deadlock before turning provider for Hinshelwood.

“Fair play to Kauno Zalgiris, they came and made it difficult for us,” the midfielder added.

“We had to stay patient and I think we did that well. Georginio [Rutter] with a great goal and then to set me up as well he done really well.

“I think it was a really professional performance, we had to work for it, but it was a job well done today.”

Brighton midfielder focused on continued improvement

Despite Brighton’s positive start to the campaign, Hinshelwood insisted the squad are not getting carried away with their recent results.

Instead, the midfielder believes the focus must remain on developing as a team, with another important fixture approaching on Sunday.

“I think the manager spoke about it, we just want to keep on improving,” he said.

“What’s happened in the past is gone now and we have to look to the future, to keep getting better and developing. It’s starts again Sunday with another massive game.”