By Tim Hodges from the Amex Press Briefing
Gus Poyet seemed sceptical that Albion would do any transfer business today, the last day of the loan window.
The Albion boss did not envisage any more players arriving at the Amex but will wait to see how the day develops regarding any Albion players leaving, albeit temporarily, for other clubs.
Poyet praised Lewis Dunk’s contribution on Tuesday night saying that the young centre half “did exactly what we expected him to do”.
The Seagulls boss explained that other more defensively versatile players, such as Inigo Calderon and occasionally Romain Vincelot , get the nod on the bench over Dunk because he only plays at centre half.
But now it might be Adam El-Abd who has a problem as Dunk has a chance to play on Saturday.
Poyet confirmed that Will Buckley had the same virus as El-Abd and that this caused his omission on Tuesday. Buckley may be a doubt for Saturday but El-Abd and Sam Vokes, who went off injured on Tuesday night, are both now back in full training.
Poyet didn’t think that there was anything to gain by reviewing the midweek thrashing of Leeds by upcoming opponents Nottingham Forest, suggesting that Forest scored some good but freakish goals.
The Albion boss is surprised that Forest are in such a lowly league position when their quality and strength in depth is considered.
Although the Albion will respect Forest, Poyet said that his team needed to try to control the game and not change their game plan, and that they could get something out the match.
He feels that Vicente Rodriguez will be key to Albion’s fortunes and that Forest will try to stop the in-form play-maker.
The Albion boss praised Vicente’s quality, not just in open play but from set-pieces as well.
He revealed to Brighton and Hove News that Vincelot’s involvement in the squad on Tuesday was tactical but added that the Frenchman had been training well.
Poyet added that “all the players need to be ready” – Lewis Dunk’s performance was an example to them, that they need to ready for that call up. He credited the squad on their attitude to training, saying that “the quality in training means we are better prepared for the games”.
