Bruno has urged Albion to retain a “winning mentality” in the Premier League.

A 29th win of the season for the Seagulls at Aston Villa tomorrow (noon) will take them into the top flight next season as champions.

Bruno accepts expectations will shift dramatically downwards once they have left the Championship but the Spanish skipper says the players must have belief they can stay up.

He told The Argus: “It’s really important that we don’t lose that winning mentality. You know you are not going to win that many games but it’s how you approach the game.

“Of course, you have to respect all the teams, but I’ve been there, getting promoted from the Championship to La Liga.

“Everyone was saying we were going to get relegated and we finished I think seventh or eighth in La Liga, with Almeria, and we were flying.

“You never know. We have a lot of good players and next season maybe is going to be easier for them to play in the Premier League than the Championship.

“We cannot lose that winning mentality, that character. It’s so important to keep that team spirit because that makes you stronger, even when you are losing.”

Boss Chris Hughton is likely to make several changes to the starting line-up surprisingly beaten at home by Bristol City last Saturday.

Striker Sam Baldock, a boyhood Villa fan, is back in the squad after seven matches out with a glutes injury. Seb Pocognoli, Villa old boy Steve Sidwell and Solly March are also all pushing for returns.

The sixth and highest-ranking title in Albion’s history will be secured if they do not lose any ground to Newcastle, who are at home to Barnsley.