Brighton's evergreen "gentleman" Danny Welbeck is living proof that age is just a number, according to Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler.

The 33-year-old striker, who has netted two goals and provided one assist in four Premier League appearances so far this season, recently penned a new two-year contract with the Seagulls and has shown no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Hurzeler, two years younger than Welbeck, said of the ex-Manchester United and Arsenal forward: "I don’t see that he is getting old.

"He's a role model on and off the pitch - a gentleman with a lot of experience who is taking care of his team-mates, taking care of the culture and environment of the whole club. He is helpful in every phase. And on top of that, he is in great shape. Of course there are lots of things where he can improve but I’m very happy with how he’s doing so far."

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Given the plethora of attacking talent Albion have at their disposal, Welbeck had initially looked set for a bit-part role this season. But the England international has had other ideas and is now spearheading their bid to secure the return of European football.

Hurzeler added: "What surprised me was how much Danny Welbeck takes care of his team-mates and how he protects them, how he helps them, how he supports them.

"I think that’s not normal and something we should appreciate within this club. Having a player who is not only taking care of his own ego, because in the end in football there are a lot of egos but it’s not just about scoring and making assists.

"He’s taking care of the whole environment of his teammates and not just himself and that is for me something very surprising."

Joao Pedro was back in Albion training on Friday after missing the past two matches with a knock. However, Hurzeler will not feel obliged to risk him against Nottingham Forest if there is any doubt over his fitness.

Matt O'Riley, who suffered a nasty-looking ankle injury on his Brighton debut against Crawley in the Carabao Cup, is in "very good shape" as he begins to step up his recovery.

Dutch midfielder Mats Wieffer is also pushing for a start after returning to action in the midweek 3-2 League Cup triumph over Wolves.

Left-back Pervis Estupinan also played 90 minutes on Wednesday night following a wretched run of fitness problems.

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