It was a night to remember for Sydney FC academy graduate Cam Peupion, who made his debut for Premier League outfit Brighton and Hove Albion.
Peupion was plucked from the Sky Blues in 2020, the Australian midfielder joining Brighton’s Under-18 team having never played an A-League Men match.
But the talented 19-year-old has caught the eye on the south coast and he was handed his first senior appearance by highly rated Brighton manager Graham Potter.
Peupion did not disappoint, coming off the bench and supplying an assist in Brighton’s 3-0 win at Forest Green in the EFL Cup second round on Thursday (AEST).
“The youngsters were ready to help us and it was good to give them opportunities and a proud moment for those who made their debuts. They applied themselves really well and we learned a lot about them,” Potter said.
“There were a lot of positives, which is easy to say when you win 3-0. We’re pleased to go through.”
Brighton’s Peupion – the third Australian to play for the Premier League club after Mat Ryan and Aaron Mooy though David Clarkson played for the Seagulls in the second division in the 1990s – has impressed during his time at American Express Community Stadium, emerging from the U18s to the U23s.
It resulted in a new deal in June, with Peupion contracted to Brighton until 2024.
