BRIGHTON AND HOVE Albion manager Chris Hughton was impressed with midfielder Richie Towell after the new signing played his first 90 minutes for the Seagulls.

Towell moved from Dundalk at the end of the 2015 League of Ireland season, but was not eligible to line out for the Seagulls until January, and lined out for Hughton’s side in their 1-0 FA Cup loss at Hull City.

Despite the defeat, Hughton was happy with the midfielder’s performance.

“Richie Towell played 90 minutes and coped very well,” the 57-year-old told the club’s official website.

“The last 90 minutes he played was back in November in the Irish Cup Final and he has been training very hard to be ready for now.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Ian Lawlor made his debut for Bury after joining the Shakers on loan from Manchester City.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international helped Bury to a 0-0 draw with Bradford City in the FA Cup third round, and expressed his delight on Twitter, writing that he was “happy with the clean sheet [and] looking forward to the next game.”

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