Albion boss Chris Hughton believes Joao Teixeira is strong enough to cope with the responsibility of making things happen against Arsenal.

The Portuguese playmaker on loan from Liverpool bounced back to form with two goals and an inspirational display against Ipswich at the Amex on Wednesday.

Teixeira, signed by former manager Sami Hyypia, is poised to operate again against the Gunners in the centre of the attacking midfield three behind Chris O’Grady, with freedom to roam.

Hughton said: “I’d certainly seen enough of him to know what type of player he was before I came but you don’t really know until you see them close up in training.

“What he has got for a small lad is a physicality about him. He is not a naturally defensive player but, if you can get him on the ball, he can show his ability.

“I think that’s his best position. He is natural at it but I think he is flexible enough to play anywhere across the front, certainly not up the top on his own, but coming in from a wide area as well.”

Ex-Sporting Lisbon prospect Teixeira, 22 last Sunday, doubled his tally for Albion against Ipswich to end a 17-game drought stretching back to goals in successive games against Leeds on his full debut and Bolton back in August.

Hughton said: “He’s still young and you are going to have ups and downs with young players.

“He’s been playing in a team that has also been up and down. These are normal things for him but that will have done him a world of good.”