ALBION boss Sami Hyypia has praised David Stockdale for saving his side from becoming the first to lose to Blackpool.

The Seagulls' No.1 was a virtual spectator for the majority of the goalless stalemate.

But Stockdale made a smothering stop late in the second half to foil Ishmael Miller after a mistake by Bruno to celebrate his 29th birthday with a first shut-out at home in the Championship.

Hyypia said: “For the keeper it's very important to keep a clean sheet. When he makes that kind of save it can only be good for him.

“The keeper’s job is very hard. I played at centre-back but the harder job is to be a keeper. When they make mistakes then it is usually a goal for the opposition. Keepers were always my best friends. If I made a mistake then they could correct it.

“I’m very happy for David that he made this save. There would have been more questions if we had lost 1-0.”

Albion go to League Two Burton Albion next on Wednesday night in the third round of the Capital One Cup.

The under-21s visit West Brom tonight (7pm).