James Wilson hoping Brighton form will propel him back into Manchester United first team next season 

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James Wilson is hopeful his goals in Brighton's push for the Premier League will earn him a place in Manchester United's strikeforce next season.

The on-loan England Under-21 striker has netted five times for the Championship club this season, including an important equaliser in Monday's 1-1 draw with Derby County.

It means that the Seagulls can secure a lucrative £200m spot in the top-flight if they win at fellow promotion-hopefuls Middlesbrough on Saturday.

James Wilson (left) celebrates scoring for Brighton in their 1-1 draw with Derby County on Monday

The on-loan Manchester United striker has scored five times in the Championship this season

Wilson says he has thoroughly enjoyed life at Brighton both on and off the pitch this season

Brighton will join Burnley in the Premier League next season if they beat Middlesbrough this Saturday

While Wilson, 20, is fully focused on that aim, he is optimistic Louis van Gaal has been watching his progress on the south coast with interest.

He said: 'The whole point of this loan move is to gain valuable experience. I think I've done that - and then some.

'My full focus is on Brighton for the rest of the season. But I've got to go back and show what I can do for the next season.

'And this will be valuable experience playing Boro - it will be like a play-off final. Other than my debut, this is the most pressure game I've been in.

'We're all looking forward to going up to Boro and hopefully getting a result.'

Wilson (third left) rifles home his late equaliser as Brighton kept their promotion hopes alive on Monday

Wilson and Brighton know they must beat Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium to earn promotion

That debut was back in May 2014, when Wilson was thrown in by interim United manager Ryan Giggs and scored twice in a 3-1 Premier League victory over Hull City.

After finding first-team opportunities at Old Trafford limited under Van Gaal last season, Wilson was loaned to Brighton and has prospered.

'I'm more of an extrovert now,' he said. 'I was quite shy when I first came in. I think I've developed as a player and as a person as well.

'That was a big part of me moving away from Manchester. I've always been in and around Manchester since I was seven. This was something very different.

Wilson burst onto the scene with two goals on debut for Manchester United against Hull in May 2014

Wilson scores for United in a 2-0 win at Queens Park Rangers last season

'I've enjoyed my time and hopefully we can do it for the fans and get promoted to the Premier League.'

Despite being many miles away, Wilson remains in touch with his United team-mates and wished them well ahead of their FA Cup final with Crystal Palace on May 21.

He added: 'We're all in a group chat with the United players and we're all willing each other on to do certain things either individually or as a team.

'I wish them all the best for the FA Cup. It's the best of both worlds.'