Sami Hyypia wants Albion’s ‘patient’ fans to enjoy a special cup night at Tottenham.

But he admits his performance as manager will ultimately be judged on whether he takes the 21st-placed Seagulls up the Championship table.

Albion take on Spurs, whose own boss Mauricio Pochettino has come in for criticism following a run of poor home results, in the Capital One Cup fourth round tonight.

They can heap pressure on the Tottenham manager – and secure the club’s first quarter-final berth for 26 years – with a shock win at White Hart Lane.

Hyypia said: “It is difficult to say how much time you need when you go to a club.

“I think my situation is the same (as Pochettino). I’m new here, I’ve brought something different to the players and we work hard so the players will understand everything in a short period of time but that is not always possible.

“I’m happy that at this club people understand what is going on.

“I’m happy that the supporters have been quite patient with us.

“It’s not a nice time, it’s not a good start to the season.

“Hopefully everyone can understand what is going on out on the pitch.

“I’m very happy that we have that kind of chairman who understands things and will give me time.

“That is the only thing I am worried about.

“I know I have the full backing of everyone here until the last day.

“Nobody needs to ask me if I have backing.”

Hyypia wants his players - who will be roared on by 4,000 travelling supporters - to embrace their big night and shrug off league worries.

He added: “We need to enjoy the occasion and try to be at our optimal level.

“Then we can make it difficult for Tottenham.”

Craig Mackail-Smith could return to the squad tonight as he recovers from a hamstring injury although he is not expected to start.

Bruno is a doubt after suffering a groin twinge on his return to training and Sam Baldock is cup-tied.