Lamptey focused on Brighton for now

Tariq Lamptey (C) of Brighton

Sunday Sep 27, 2020. 14:00

Brighton & Hove Albion star Tariq Lamptey says he is just focusing on his club career for now and will worry about his international future at a later time.

The 19-year-old right-back has been one of the early sensations of the new Premier League season, prompting interest from Ghana.

He was not named in Black Stars coach C.K. Akonnor’s latest squad, but he is eligible to play for the West African country despite having represented England at various junior levels.

Lamptey would have to feature in a competitive match for Gareth Southgate’s England team to tie down his international allegiance.

However, England already boast an excellent crop of right-backs, including the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Reece James.

Asked if he has decided which country to play for, Lamptey told The Sun: “No. I’m still young so I’m just looking forward to the next game which is Manchester United and keep playing as well as possible. Whatever comes next, we’ll see.”

Asked whether England’s tough competition at right-back would convince him to play for Ghana, Lamptey replied: “No. At the moment I’m just focused on Brighton and playing as many games as possible, keep training as hard as possible, keep playing well and keep a consistent level.

“At the end of the day, the harder I work and the more games I get in are the most important things for my development.

“What happens in the future on the international side, we’ll have to wait and see.”