Brighton and Hove Albion U-23 Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth is regarded as a very exciting prospect at the club.

His goalkeeping heroics have seen him linked with the likes of FC Barcelona.

He has recently signed a new three-year deal with Brighton after an impressive loan spell at Worthing F.C.

Here, Carl talks about his loan spell, his short-term ambitions and staying fit amidst the ongoing pandemic.

1. Growing up, who were your idols in the footballing world?

“My main idol growing up was Iker Casillas and I always loved watching him play.
However, I did really look up to Joe Hart and with him playing for Man City I was able to watch him week in week out easily.”

Via Angel Martinez/Real Madrid & Getty Images

2. I can imagine that in your position as a goalkeeper, you would have come up against some really talented attackers in your career so far, are there any particular opponents that come to mind against whom you had a hard time?

“That is a difficult question, but the main difficult opponents have been my teammates at Brighton, Aaron Connolly who is rapid and a great finisher.
Also, I’d have to say Danny Cashman who is very unpredictable which is difficult for goalkeepers.”

3. You had a very successful loan spell at Worthing F.C in the Isthmian Premier League which was great for your development and you were voted Players' Player of the Year, how do you reflect on your time there and are there any particular memories from your time there that you would like to recall?

“Yeah, I only have great memories from my loan spell at Worthing.
However, at the start of my loan it was difficult getting used to playing senior football and in front of a decent crowd but once I had a few good games under my belt I just kicked on from there..
A main big moment for me was on New Year’s Day playing rivals Bognor Regis away which I loved each minute of it (Especially keeping a clean sheet).”

4. You have very recently signed a new three-year contract with Brighton and Hove Albion, how does it feel to extend and are there any short-term goals that you have set for yourself?

“I think signing the new contract is massive for me as it shows that my hard work is being noticed and now it’s just to kick on from my last season and do better and try break through to the first team.”

5. You were called up to England U19s' for their Euro qualifiers last November, how did it feel to get the call-up and what was your initial reaction?

“Being called up to the England U19 squad was a massive moment for me and my family and as soon as I got the message, I was on the phone for a good hour or so calling my family telling them the news.”

6. Amidst the ongoing pandemic, is there anything that you are doing to stay fit and in shape?

“Brighton have been given us programmes that have been keeping us on our toes during the lockdown, but also with the free time I try do my own gym sessions using household items to pass the time.”

Six Questions: Carl Rushworth of Brighton & Hove Albion