It takes years of hard work to be an overnight success.

That might just sum up how those close to Rob Hunt are feeling as they see the 21-year-old full-back enjoy senior playing time for Albion.

Academy manager John Morling certainly smiled when he saw Hunt enjoying a bit of media spotlight after his brief league debut at Burton last Saturday.

Morling knows the amount of work that has gone into making, as yet, brief Championship experience.

Hunt got on for the closing stages when some tightness in the adductor areas finally spelt the end of Bruno’s match. It was not a bad time to get on. Albion had the game well under control at the back.

The Essex youngster then played the full 90 minutes against Reading in the League Cup, starting on the right of a back four and ending up on the left of what was essentially a back three as the hosts pushed for an equaliser.

Hunt will hope for involvement in the 18 at home to Barnsley tomorrow, although his chances could be compromised by the increasing match fitness of Sebastien Pocognoli and Chris Hughton’s judgement of which positions he wants covered by his seven subs.

Either way, the general curve for the former Brentwood Sunday League player who gave a positive impression on a tough night for the Seagulls in midweek is heading in an upwards direction. Bit by bit.

The Argus:

Albion academy manager John Morling, pictured by Paul Hazlewood

Morling said: “You talk about someone’s league debut, which is the big one.

“But what people don’t see are the thousands of hours he has trained, the hundreds of games he has had. They work so hard for that big moment.

“It comes down to what happens when you get your opportunity. Do you take it or not? So far he has done really well. He is a great lad. He deserves credit.”

If Hunt goes on to make a senior impact, the chance to appear in the League Cup and new Checkatrade trophy will have played a part.

Those games have given youngsters experience and also brought them to attention of other clubs.

Morling has revealed Albion have received an increased number of requests for players to go on loan this season due to the exposure offered by those competitions.

The more senior members of what still comes under the academy umbrella get more chance to shine in the forthcoming international break when Albion send an under-23 side to League Two outfit Stevenage in the Checkatrade Trophy.

But there are other ways to learn – and sometimes learn the hard way.

Albion are willing to loan younger players out to Sussex-based non-league clubs – and there will be more chance to do that as the season progresses.

Bognor have benefitted from such arrangements in recent season – and indeed in recent weeks with scholar Tom Byrne, Dylan Barnett and Jason Davis all doing well.

Morling said: “We have been getting more loan requests this season than over the last couple of seasons, definitely.

“Being in the Checkatrade Trophy, when managers see them play against first team players and they do well, might lead to enquiries.

“When some of the young players play in the League Cup, you get a bit of interest.

“But you can’t let them all out.

“We turn some down but only because it might not be right for that particular person at that particular time.

“We would know which players we would want to loan out and where at certain times this season.

“Hence we have a bigger squad at 23s now than probably we have ever had.

“They need to be able to deal with league games, Premier League Cup, Checkatrade Trophy, League Cup and also we have some here in case Chris needs them because there is no loan window.

“At the same time, we let four or five go out and get experience.

“It’s a balancing act as to who goes out at what time.”

The classic rags-to-riches story is of a young player emerging from the youth team looking like he should still be at school and becoming a first team star straight away.

Hunt has pursued what is perhaps a more realistic path in these days of bigger playing staff.

He is already on his second professional contract and has climbed the ladder bit by bit, through the under-18s and development squad, since joining the club six years ago.

Then came friendly appearances and the chance to travel with the first team as cover, on their recent trip to Newcastle for example.

Where he differs from many others is that he has not been on loan locally.

The Seagulls have higher profile loanees out at clubs in the fourth and fifth tiers currently in Tom Dallison, Christian Walton and Jordan Maguire-Drew.

Morling said they would be willing to talk to Sussex clubs about taking younger players on loan.

Who goes where is decided by a group of key club staff, including Hughton and his first team coaches.

Morling said: “Every loan is very different. We judge each one as an individual case.

“There are some under-18s and some 23s who, during this season, we would want to go out on loan at various levels.

“I’d speak to anyone at any of the clubs in Sussex and build up relationships with as many clubs as possible. Never say never.”