Former Brighton & Hove Albion defender Mark Lawrenson has praised the appointment of Sami Hyypia as the club's new manager.

Hyypia, who was sacked by Bayer Leverkusen last season, signed a three-year deal with the Championship side on Friday.

While admitting that the 40-year-old is still young in managerial terms, Lawrenson believes that Hyypia's experience in the Bundesliga will benefit him in England.

"First and foremost, I think it's a good appointment," he told Brighton's official website. "Yes, he's still young and learning his trade a little bit, but to go to Leverkusen and start as joint manager before taking over the club will only help Brighton and Sami Hyypia.

"You cannot underestimate the experience he's had in Germany, which is top class. He was preparing teams to face the likes of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, who are both European Cup-winning sides."

Brighton reached the semi-finals of the Championship playoffs last season before they were beaten by Derby County.