PAIN KEY TO ALBION SURVIVAL

CHRIS HUGHTON believes Brighton’s final-day disappointment two years ago can help fire their survival bid this time around.

In 2016, Hughton’s side missed out on promotion at the death, but recovered to claim a place in the top-flight 12 months later.

He admits mental strength could be the key to settling a relegation scrap that currently involves 11 clubs, and is confident his players’ rollercoaster ride into the Premier League will help them stay up.

“That experience can definitely help,” said the Albion boss (above). “Yes, we’re a team that went through huge disappointment two years ago.

“We have good experience in Glenn Murray, Leo Ulloa, Bruno, Steve Sidwell and Liam Rosenior, so I think we’ve that nice balance between experience and youthfulness.

“And sometimes that youthfulness . . they don’t feel the pressure as much as others. So I feel we have a decent combination and we can cope with it.”

A run of one win in 14 league games has sent Albion sliding towards the bottom three – and Hughton knows it is important for his team to hold their nerve.

He added: “When you come to this stage of the season there’s of course pressure that increases as each week goes by. What’s important is to stick to the way you want to play and the belief the players have.”