Matt Upson has been hailed as a key man to Albion’s hopes of making the play-offs.

The former England centre-back has helped the Seagulls enjoy the best away defensive record in the Championship so far this term.

They are being kept out of the top six only by goal difference at the halfway mark of the season.

Former Fulham striker and Brentford manager Leroy Rosenior – now a regular Championship pundit – tonight told BBC1’s Football League Show that they are a side to look out for thanks largely to Upson’s form.

Rosenior said: “Anybody can get on a run of results and get in that top six.

“I was really worried when Oscar Garcia took over. It was a difficult job taking over from Gus Poyet.

“He had injuries, he didn’t have forwards, but they have been solid and slowly but surely they have come into decent form.

“I think Upson has been brilliant for them and they have shown that, with consistency, you can get up there.”