Albion boss Chris Hughton has revealed his relief at being clear of the Championship relegation zone.

But he has also warned the Seagulls are not out of the woods yet.

Tuesday’s 2-0 home win against promotion chasers Derby County lifted Albion nine points clear of the bottom three, the biggest gap they have enjoyed all season.

Hughton told The Argus: “At this moment it’s a nice feeling, because there's no doubt it’s a very uncomfortable and nervous feeling when you are only a point away, which we have been, and I think at one stage in my time we were just above it on goal difference. But there is still a lot of work to do and the fact that the games come thick and fast, three good results or three bad results on the spin can change things."

The majority of Albion's rivals are involved in a full Championship programme tomorrow. The Seagulls do not return to action themselves until Tuesday night at FA Cup quarter-finalists Reading, when they will be aiming for a first away victory in five games after only one defeat in the last six matches overall. Hughton said: "We have to try to build on this and win games away from home. I think that goes without saying.

"We certainly would prefer to play Saturday, the same as everybody else, but at least we've got a good few days recovery to try and get a result at Reading."

Albion will drop a place to 20th if Fulham beat Bournemouth at Craven Cottage tonight.