Welbeck makes honest Brighton reveal despite ex-Arsenal star enjoying new role

Danny Welbeck is embracing his role as the teacher of Brighton's young forwards - but must wait and see if he will be offered a new deal.

The 33-year-old insists he has plenty of fuel left in the tank, but is out of contract this summer and the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker admits an extension is out of his control. Yet with Albion still on an upward trajectory, he is keen to extend his mentorship to the likes of Evan Ferguson, 19, and top scorer Joao Pedro, 22.

“It’s not just down to me,” Welbeck said. “But I’m feeling good, feeling strong. I’m always there for every single player that steps inside that dressing room to let them know what it means to play with this group. I’m always there for everyone.

“There’s a lot of room for improvement, even though we’ve had some wonderful seasons. “We always want to get better. That’s down to the environment and culture within the team and squad.

“Everyone wants to improve every single day. The manager, he doesn’t let anyone rest on their laurels. Everyone is always on their toes, willing to get better and that’s the right mindset to have.”

With Joao Pedro out injured and Ferguson in a challenging run without a goal, Welbeck led the line away to Tottenham on Saturday. And after Pascal Gross put them in front from the penalty spot, the veteran forward was "gutted" that they came away with nothing having conceded to Brennan Johnson in the 96th minute.

Manager Roberto de Zerbi watched from home after having dental surgery - although he was banned from the touchline anyway.

"Difficult to take. Everyone put a shift in but there were some smart details we didn’t get right with the goals and it’s cost us. It’s really, really hard to take," Welbeck said. "We spoke to him via