Albion boss Sami Hyypia has been backed to improve his side by his opposite number at the Amex on Saturday.

Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka believes the Seagulls are in a false position in the Championship table and the Spaniard is expecting a tough test for his high-flying team.

Boro are fifth, Albion 19th, but Karanka told the Evening Gazette in Middlesbrough: "It will be a difficult game. I think they are not in the right position in the table.

"They are a good team and have not lost in four or five games so it will be a big test for us.

"We know Brighton are a good side. Although we won there last year (2-0) it was a very close game.

"It is a difficult place to go. The crowd and the stadium is brilliant and although he has not had a good start, Sami Hyypia is a good coach.

"Like myself he is in his first job in England and it will take time to adapt but he has played here so knows the style and mentality and I am sure he will do well."