Chub can unlock the secret to success

years, the striker believes his experience of getting out of the Championship will prove invaluable to Chris Hughton’s team.

“I always want to win, and although the team has lost a couple recently, it has been a winning team and is in a good position in the league,” said Akpom, 21.

“It was a really good feeling I had at Hull last year. That taught me so much about how to be successful over 46 games.

“Although I am young I want to bring that winning mentality here. I am sure it’s always good to have a player that has experienced going up coming in to contribute.”

Brighton have lost three consecutive away games in all competitions to stall their momentum.

But Akpom knows better than most the need to keep calm in the scramble for the top flight. Twelve months ago today, Hull sat top of the Championship, yet had to settle for a play-off place. “Games come thick and fast so it is impossible to win every single one,” added Akpom (below). “It’s a learning curve. It would be nice to go straight up but it doesn’t matter how you do it – promotion is promotion. “That day at Wembley’s the highlight of my career so far.” Hughton threw on Akpom for the final half-hour at Huddersfield on Thursday as 10-man Brighton fluffed the chance to go four points clear at the summit by losing 3-1.

Connor Goldson will replace centre-back Lewis Dunk, who was sent off in the game.

But there is a return from injury for influential midfielder Dale Stephens.

Brighton have not lost in the 19 matches he has played since Brentford raided the Amex on September 10.