19 hours ago 2

'A good milestone to have' - Welbeck finally hits 10 goals in a season

For the first time in his career, the 34-year-old striker hit double figures for Premier League goals in a single season with his penalty in Saturday's 2-0 win at Wolves.

Shining for Brighton in the twilight of his career, Welbeck's latest contribution helped ensure the Seagulls remain firmly in the fight to secure European football with just two games remaining.

"It is a good milestone to have - and I feel like it could have been more," said Welbeck, who scored on his Premier League debut for Manchester United as a 17-year-old in November 2008.

"I'm looking forward to improving. We have two more games left and hopefully I'll get some more [goals]."

Much of the former Manchester United, Arsenal and Watford player's career has been disrupted by persistent injury issues, at least prior to his arrival on the south coast.

But he has now made as many as 29 appearances in three consecutive Premier League seasons for the first time in his career, helping him to at last score 10 goals in a campaign.

He is one goal away from matching his most productive season across all competitions, scoring 12 times for Manchester United in 2011-12.

Each of the former England international's past nine goals in the competition have either put his side ahead (seven) or drawn them level (two).

They are vital interventions which have helped Brighton remain in the race for a lucrative European place.

Boss Fabian Hurzeler hopes that Welbeck, who will turn 35 in November, will still continue to deliver at the top level.

"I hope [he can carry on]," Hurzeler said. "He has to continue how he behaves at the moment.

"He is very professional and I am convinced that he can carry on for a long time."