ALBION boss Chris Hughton deserves credit for Uwe Huenemeier’s “unbelievable” return to the first team.

That is the message from French winger Anthony Knockaert, who has applauded Hughton’s man-management of players when they are not involved in the team.

Huenemeier has been pressed back into action in the centre of defence now that Shane Duffy has joined Connor Goldson on the sidelines.

The German helped the Seagulls to consecutive clean sheets at Rotherham last week and against Derby at the Amex on Friday night.

Huenemeier had previously made only one Championship appearance in 15 months, due to serious groin damage.

Knockaert, who opened the scoring in the 3-0 win against Derby, told The Argus: “Uwe has been unbelievable.

“That is what this team is about when you have players like Uwe, who haven’t played all season, and when he’s got a chance he takes it.

“I think we need to give credit to the gaffer, because he respects every player.

“Even the ones who don’t play, the team spirit is unbelievable because they know they’ve got the support from the manager. That’s important.

“It’s not like that at every club, the manager supporting the players that don’t play.”

Meanwhile, Oliver Norwood is set to avoid an international collision with new Albion team-mate Vegard Forren.

Midfielder Norwood has been named again in the Northern Ireland squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Norway.

Recent centre-half signing Forren is not expected to figure in the Norway squad named today by their new Swedish manager Lars Lagerback.