---
title: "Brighton youngster makes impressive start to pre-season"
canonical: "https://readbrighton.com/2026/07/21/brighton-youngster-makes-impressive-start-to-pre-season/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Brighton News"
published: "2026-07-21T12:47:47Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T11:50:08Z"
---

# Brighton youngster makes impressive start to pre-season

**Sean Keogh has made an encouraging start to Brighton & Hove Albion’s pre-season preparations as he pushes for a place in Fabian Hürzeler’s first-team squad.**

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international started at left-back during Brighton’s 4-1 behind-closed-doors victory over Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

Keogh registered an assist when his cross was converted by Ibrahim Osman for Albion’s third goal. Charalampos Kostoulas scored twice before Georginio Rutter completed the victory after half-time.

[Reptracker reports](https://x.com/reptracker/status/2079298357067985328) that Keogh has impressed during the opening stages of pre-season following an excellent 2025/26 campaign with Brighton’s Under-21 side.

> 🚨 Sean Keogh has made an IMPRESSIVE start to pre-season with Brighton.\
> \
> The Ireland U21 international registered an assist in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Wycombe, building on an outstanding 2025/26 campaign for the Seagulls' U21s.\
> \
> Following his Ireland U21 debut against Croatia… [pic.twitter.com/lR9f2DM4tH](https://t.co/lR9f2DM4tH)
>
> — Brighton Buzz (@BrightonBuzzz) [July 21, 2026](https://x.com/BrightonBuzzz/status/2079513394651033914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Brighton youngster pushes for first-team opportunity

Keogh’s display came against senior League One opposition and offered Hürzeler an early look at his ability within the first-team structure.

The left-back supported attacks confidently and provided the final ball for Osman’s goal. His performance added another positive element to a match in which several young players received opportunities.

ReadBrighton has already covered how [Kostoulas strengthened his first-team position with two goals against Wycombe](https://readbrighton.com/2026/07/18/brighton-handed-immediate-kostoulas-boost-after-pre-season-double/). Keogh now has the same pre-season platform to demonstrate he can contribute during a demanding campaign.

The defender also made his Republic of Ireland Under-21 debut against Croatia in June. He entered during the second half as Ireland twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw.

Brighton will compete in the Premier League and UEFA Conference League next season, increasing Hürzeler’s need for reliable squad depth.

Keogh still faces strong competition for senior minutes. However, another assured display during the upcoming training camp in France could strengthen his case for a first-team role.