Brighton defender Burn ready to make his mark in the FA Cup

The 26-year-old joined Albion from Wigan last summer before he spent the first half of the season back on loan at the Latics.

He has played two FA Cup matches for the Seagulls since returning, both against West Brom, and is ready to show Hughton he is ready to play if a Premier League opportunity arises.Burn made nine appearance for Fulham in the top flight in 2014, before joining Wigan on a free transfer in 2016.

Looking ahead to tomorrow's match, Burn said: "The lads that have been playing (in the FA Cup) have been the lads who haven't played a lot in the Premier League. It's a point to prove.

"We've had a good run in the FA Cup and it's been quite kind to me over the years.

"It's just lads wanting the chance to prove themselves and if they keep going through the rounds, they get more game time, so that always helps.

"You've got to make your mark so you can be in the gaffer's thoughts.

"We're getting a couple of injuries and stuff now, so I think you've just got to be ready and match fit if you get that chance."

Several Premier League teams are already out of this season's competition, with just seven remaining in the last 16.

Burn said: "We were all sat in a pre-match meal when the last draw was made and it's a chance.

"No disrespect to Derby, they're flying in the Championship but there was a lot tougher rounds we could have had.

"It's a great chance, not only for the lads who haven't been playing regularly but a chance for the team as a whole to go for it in the cup and you never know what can happen.

"We're in the fifth round now and there's not many rounds until you're getting close to the semi-finals and the final."

Burn is taking nothing for granted, though, having played against Derby for Wigan earlier this season. He said: "I know how good they are. They've been a good team for a number of years.

"They've got good, young attacking players who love to go forward and try to cause problems. They've got a way they want to play and it's a good stage for them to show they can battle with Premier League players.

"It will be a tough game but especially for the lads who haven't been playing for a few weeks, it's a chance for us to go again and show the manager what we want to do and that we can be ready."

With Albion just three points above the Premier League relegation zone, Burn admits staying up is the number one objective for the club but added the FA Cup remains an important competition.

He said: "As a Premier League team, your number one objective is to stay in the league. It's the best league in the world and to attract the best players and progress, you've got to stay in the Premier League.

"I don't think the FA Cup comes second but if you're in a more comfortable position sitting around the top half, you can treat it a little bit more seriously.

"When you're around the bottom, you've got to make sure you stay in the Premier League as a number one.

"But that being said it's a good opportunity for players at the minute who haven't been getting regular minutes to go out and showcase what they can do to get in the Premier League team."

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