Not only is the Bradford-born teenager the "best young player" that Hughes has ever seen, he can, according to the midfielder, also act as the catalyst for the Elland Road club's return to the upper echelons of English football.

Praise indeed from a veteran of almost 500 games with five clubs, but it is easy to see why the latest graduate from the United Academy is causing such excitement at Elland Road.

Up against a Brighton midfield featuring former Wales international Robbie Savage, the youngster ran the game to ensure Leeds bounced back from defeats to Peterborough United and Rotherham United in style.

Delph created both of Jermaine Beckford's goals, but it was his all-round play that really caught the eye and left team-mate Hughes predicting great things for both player and club.

He said: "I don't want to say too much because I do not want to lose him as a team-mate... but he is the best young player I have ever seen.

"I have been lucky to play with some very good players but Fab bewilders me.

"I spotted him as soon as I arrived at the club and I was not surprised by how well Fab played against Robbie Savage because I see him every day in training.

"They also had their captain in midfield but Fab was running the show."

Delph was handed his Leeds debut in the final game of the 2006-07 season that saw the club relegated from the Championship, while last term his only appearance again came on the last day when Gillingham were beaten at Elland Road.

This time around, however, he has become an integral part of Gary McAllister's plans.

Hughes added: "The manager believes that if you are good enough, you are old enough. It is the same with Aidy (White, United left back).

"He can be an international and, hopefully, he can do that with Leeds United.

"He can be the driving force to get this club back where it belongs.

"No matter what I say about him, it won't go to his head. He is a Leeds lad who loves his family and looks after them. His ethics are spot on.

"I see him in training every day and the way he manipulates the ball is unbelievable. The manager will see more things than I see because he knows better than anyone else at this club how to play that position.

"But, for me, as long as he keeps his feet on the ground like he is doing, he is going to be possibly one of the best Leeds players I have seen.

"And the pleasing thing is Fab recently signed a four-year deal so he won't be going anywhere."

After a first half in which neither goalkeeper had been unduly tested, the game suddenly sprang into life as the fourth official was preparing to hold the board up to indicate there would be two minutes of stoppage time. Neat link-up play down the right by Frazer Richardson and Hughes created an opening for Luciano Becchio, who netted at the second attempt after his first shot had been blocked.

The move of the game then saw the home side double their advantage in stoppage time when a swift counter attack after a Brighton corner had been cleared by the United defence.

Aidan White claimed the ball and after racing down the left, he found Delph who looked up before picking out Beckford with a superb cross that the League One top scorer headed powerfully past Michel Kuipers.

United had several chances to extend their lead during the second half with Beckford shooting wide after being set up by Becchio and Rui Marques heading a Neil Kilkenny corner against the crossbar.

Delph then showed great skill to weave his way past three would-be tacklers before being unceremoniously floored by a late challenge from Steve Thomson – an offence that sparked an altercation involving both sets of players.

Beckford was booked for his part along with Thomson but the United striker made a more positive contribution in the final minute when he latched on to another sublime pass from Delph before rounding Kuipers and rolling the ball into an empty net.

Brighton did grab a late consolation deep into stoppage time when a mistake by Rui Marques led to Glenn Murray beating David Lucas from 15 yards but it could not take the shine off another encouraging afternoon for McAllister and his players.

Leeds United: Lucas; Richardson, Michalik, Rui Marques, White; Kilkenny, Douglas, Delph, Hughes; Beckford, Becchio. Unused substitutes: Ankergren, Prutton, Howson, Robinson, Snodgrass.

Brighton & Hove Albion: Kuipers; Whing, Elphick. Hawkins (Cox 46), Richards, Thomson, Livermore (Thornton 46), Savage, Anyinsah; Virgo, Murray. Unused substitutes: El-Abd, Robinson, Fraser.

Referee: C Boyeson (East Yorkshire).