BRIGHTON winger Will Buckley has revealed that Wanderers passed up on a chance to sign him as a teenager.

The highly-rated 23-year-old will line-up for Gus Poyet’s side at the Reebok today, eight years on from his only previous visit to the stadium.

On that occasion, the Whites passed on a chance to snap the Oldham-based wide man up on a permanent basis after giving him an extended trial.

“I went there when I was about 15,” said Buckley, who went on to make the professional grade with Rochdale before signing a then-club record £1million deal at Brighton.

“I played at The Reebok in a match. And it’s the only time I’ve ever played there.

“It’s a really nice ground, not far from where I am from.

“I had just left Oldham at the time and, if I was to join any other club, they would have had to pay compensation.

“That’s why I never got any further.”

Buckley will be looking to help his own club keep their noses in front of Wanderers in the play-off chase this afternoon.

The Seagulls currently have a five-point advantage, with a game in hand, and arrive at the Reebok having lost just four times on the road all season.

But Buckley believes Wanderers do belong back on the big stage having seen what they have to offer behind the scenes.

“It’s a big club and a really nice stadium to play at,” he said.

“There is massive competition around the North West. There are five or six Premiership teams in that area.

“But they are seen as a big club and the Premiership is where they are at their best and where they should be.”