Lewis Dunk has a responsibility to be a role model - Chris Hughton
Dunk made his England debut earlier this month in a 3-0 win against the United States after progressing through Albion's academy.
Hughton believes young players across Sussex will look up to Dunk after he won his first Three Lions cap and said: "He's a role model, that's what comes with it.
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Hide Ad"A club like Brighton are not going to have - and haven't had in the past - too many England internationals.
"I know it's only one appearance but at this moment, he's an England international. With that comes a responsibility.
"He's a homegrown lad, he's been here from a very young age and that's something which makes the club feel very proud on how they've developed him.
"It's great for the area but also we're trying to build something here with the academy.
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Hide Ad"I look at young players coming in during the evenings and the dynamics are certainly different to what they used to be - culture changes and where we can get players from - but he's a great example to everybody."
Hughton now hopes Dunk can keep his place in the England squad and praised how the defender has progressed from League One with the Seagulls.
He said: "You can play for Brighton and you can come through the leagues.
"Lewis hasn't just come from the Championship to the Premier League. Lewis has come from League One to the Championship to the Premier League.
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Hide Ad"It also says a lot about Gareth (Southgate). What you're seeing with the England group is some of the dynamics changing there as well, with a lot of young players coming through.
"It looks really exciting times and I just hope Lewis can continue to be part of it."
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