Started at Spurs but never played.. loaned out to 11 different clubs.. but finally the Seagulls keeper makes debut at 29

BRIGHTON’S David Button is living proof that good things really do come to those who wait.

The Seagulls goalkeeper, a summer signing from Fulham, kept his side’s first clean sheet for two months on his Premier League debut against sorry Everton.

But not many players have to wait as long as the 29-year-old to make their top-flight bow.

Button started out at Spurs 11 years ago but never played a league game for them, going out on loan to 11 different clubs before eventually signing for Charlton in 2012.

The former England Under20 keeper did enough there to earn a move to Brentford and then Fulham, who he helped to win promotion last season.

But this was the first time he’d ever got to test himself at the top of the English game, with Brighton No.1 Mat Ryan away on international duty for Australia at the Asian Cup. And he did not disappoint, making two key saves from Everton striker Richarlison as Brighton defended Jurgen Locadia’s second-half goal to keep their first clean sheet in 10 games.

Button said: “Yes, it’s my Premier League debut. At 29! It’s been a long time coming. There is obviously part of you that thinks ‘is it ever going to come?’ But it’s nice the club has given me the opportunity and hopefully I can start repaying them now.

“I knew for a few days that I was starting. The gaffer put his faith in me. To keep a clean sheet was massive. Thankfully I didn’t have too much to do.

“I’ve played for a lot of clubs. It was something I wanted to do, play as many games as possible. I’m thankful for the experience because it has stood me in good stead.”

Button turned down other offers to sign a three-year deal with Brighton – and will not be giving up his first-team spot to Ryan without a fight. He said: “Obviously that’s the aim. He’s done fantastic as well, so I’ll just do what I can do and keep my head down for the next games and let that take care of itself.

“I had an option to be a first choice in the Championship. Obviously, I knew when I signed that the Asian Cup was going to be going on.

“It’s a bit of a dream to play in the Premier League so I backed myself to come here and to get that opportunity, which has finally come now.”

Opposite number Jordan Pickford, the England No.1, had a few words of encouragement for Button as he left the pitch.

Pickford said: “I played against him a couple of times when he was at Brentford and I was on loan at Preston, I think. It was nice to play against him.

“You can’t go wrong keeping a clean sheet on your debut in the Premier League. He made a couple of good saves as well. That’s got to be a confidence boost for him.”