One To Watch: Jack can be the jewel of Hinshelwood family dynasty

Jack Hinshelwood is the latest player off the production line at Brighton's talent factory. 

He is also the newest addition to a family trade that spans multiple generations. 

The 18-year-old midfielder scored his first senior goal at the weekend as the Seagulls beat Brentford 2-1. 

Ahead of Brighton's Europa League clash with Marseille, we turn the spotlight on Hinshelwood and his family. 

Winning goal

Hinshelwood saved his first goal for his home debut for Brighton. 

An academy product who joined the club as a seven-year-old, the Worthing-born ace made his debut away at Aston Villa last season. 

He played in four games during this campaign — all on the road — before making his first appearance at the Amex over the weekend. 

After the 2-1 comeback win against Brentford, Hinshelwood was asked for his thoughts on a home debut that could have hardly gone better. 

He said: "It is an unbelievable feeling. It was my first game playing here at the Amex in front of all these fans. 

"And it was a brilliant feeling to get a standing ovation when I came off. I am just delighted to get the win. 

"The fans, players and manager have all shown great belief in me and I am just trying to repay them." 

Hinshelwood certainly did just that when he headed home the winning goal, earning himself the player of the match award. 

Family dynasty

Football is very much the family business for the Hinshelwood clan. 

His father Adam was a Brighton first-team player himself before a series of injuries curtailed a promising career that had seen the defender called up for the England Under-21s. 

After Jack made his Seagulls debut, the proud dad spoke of the inevitable comparisons that are made. 

Adam said: "He's far superior. My dream was to play in the Premier League. He's had a little taste of it now. 

"I don't look at his career with any sort of envy. I'm just very happy that he's getting the opportunity and he's at the right club to develop. 

"He's got so much more to his game than I ever had." 

The Hinshelwood footballing dynasty began with Jack's great-grandfather Wally, who was a winger for the likes of Fulham, Chelsea, Reading and Bristol City, among others. 

Then there was his grandfather Paul and great-uncle Martin, who both played for Crystal Palace. Martin's son Danny is another of the family to have represented Brighton. 

Versatile player

With footballing ability flowing through the family bloodline, it is perhaps no surprise that Hinshelwood is so tactically adept. 

He started as a right-back against Brentford, where he was tasked with inverting into a central midfield position. 

Then, when right winger Simon Adingra drifted inside, Hinshelwood would attack down the flank. 

Not too many 18-year-olds would be trusted with such a tactically fluid role, so it should be considered high-praise that the youngster was selected by Roberto De Zerbi. 

Normally a midfielder who is able to play deep or in a more attacking position, Hinshelwood has also attracted the attention of England and has represented his country's U-18s and U-19s. 

With Brighton having a packed schedule of domestic and European fixtures, the playmaker seems guaranteed to get more chances to shine. 

Judging by his performance against Brentford, Hinshelwood will grasp that opportunity.