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Brighton striker Darren Bent says he would be open to staying at the club beyond his current loan spell.

Bent, 30, is on loan from Aston Villa until 29 December but says there is little point in returning to Villa if he is not going to start games.

The former England forward has two goals from four games for Brighton.

"There is only so much someone can take," Bent told 91�ȱ� Sussex. "If I'm going to go back and sit on the bench I would rather stay."

Bent, who has 13 England caps, has made eight appearances for Premier League side Villa this season, seven of them as a substitute.

He has scored 25 goals in 72 appearances since moving to Villa Park in January 2011 and spent last season on loan at Fulham.

"I don't want to go back to Aston Villa if I am not going to play," he said. "No footballer enjoys sitting on the bench and playing two minutes here and there.

"For me at my age it's about playing. If I get to stay and play more games I'll be happy.

"Since I've been at Brighton it's been fantastic and I've loved every minute of it.

"I've got to thank [manager] Sami Hyypia [who resigned from his post at Brighton on Monday afternoon] and people like that for giving me the opportunity to play.

"Every game I feel I'm getting sharper and fitter and back to my old self."

Brighton goalkeeper David Stockdale, who played with Bent at Fulham last season, believes Bent could be vital in their attempts to stay up.

The club are 22nd in the Championship, four points from safety, following their 1-1 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

"I know him from last year and he scored a few vital goals for Fulham as well, just watch him go," said Stockdale.

"He's got a couple now, you'll see him keep notching them in and that's what we need.

"I'd love to see him stay. He is a friend as well as a team-mate and a quality player above all. That is what we need at this football club."