Oscar Garcia praised Albion’s players and fans as they grabbed a play-off place.

And he had a special word for Craig Mackail-Smith, whose cross led to the winning goal.

Mackail-Smith, who missed a year with Achilles and ankle injuries, went on as substitute as the Seagulls chased the goal they needed to grab sixth place off Reading.

He sent in a perfect delivery from the left for Leo Ulloa to head the winner.

Oscar said: “I was really happy for my players and for the fans.

“They deserve it. They have given everything during the season and they never gave up.

“I’m really happy for them and especially for Craig Mackail-Smith because he didn’t play for a long time and he deserved to be involved in the goal.”

Oscar lost his customary cool as he celebrated a goal which will go down in club folklore.

He admitted: “It’s impossible to be calm when you score in the last three minutes!

"I could not be prouder of my players. I could not be prouder of the fans."