Brighton defender Tommy Elphick fights for new contract

Elphick has made 19 appearances for Brighton this season

Brighton centre-back Tommy Elphick says he is committed to the club despite a lack of first team opportunities.

The 23-year-old has only made one appearance in the last two months, against Portsmouth in the FA Cup.

He told BBC Sussex: "I'm coming up to 20 games this season but it is something that does frustrate me.

"I don't want to leave, definitely not. It's a club that's going places. I want a new contract here and that's what I'm fighting for."

Elphick has been kept out of the side by defensive duo Gordon Greer and Adam El-Abd, and says he would not rule out a move if the chance came along.

"If you ask any footballer if they like being on the bench and if anyone says yes, it's total lies," he added.

"If someone said to me a club from a higher division were going to come in you can't turn your nose up at something like that.

"If a club come in and double my wages, how can you turn something like that down?"

The defender, who came through the youth ranks at the club, has vowed to be ready if and when selected by manager Gus Poyet.

"It's a matter of coming in on your days off, keeping yourself fit and doing extra bits after training," Elphick continued.

"If selected hopefully I'll be fit enough and sharp enough to step back in again.

"It's easier when you're coming into a winning side and players are on form around you."