Brighton’s Baldock out to make his mark

Brighton & Hove Albion striker Sam Baldock is aiming to grasp his second crack at the big time with both hands.

After helping the Seagulls win promotion from the Championship last term, the 28-year-old frontman is targeting his first-ever Premier League appearance, having missed out on the opportunity to test himself against the best in the country five years ago.

Baldock won promotion to the top flight with West Ham United in 2012 but ahead of the Hammers’ first season back in the Premier League, the former Milton Keynes Dons man was sold to Bristol City.

This time around however, Baldock, who netted 12 times as Brighton finished second in the Championship table last season, is hoping to be a key part of his newly-promoted side’s plans, having penned a new three-year contract at the Amex Stadium on Tuesday.

“I’ve been there (the Premier League) but never played,” said the Seagulls man.

(Ben Hoskins/Getty Images)

“That is something I want to get under my belt. I’m untested, so it could be that I’ve found my level!”

Injury did restrict Baldock’s playing time towards the business end of last season but he was still delighted with his team’s success.

He said: “Individually, it was my best season, as it was collectively, as a group. We want to continue that now and see where we can kick on.

“The three-year contract makes you feel wanted.

“The club want you to stay and feel they can improve you as a player.”