Albion newcomer Seb Pocognoli has hit out at West Brom boss Tony Pulis for leaving him in the wilderness for six months without explanation.

Pocognoli makes his debut for the Seagulls tonight against Reading at the Amex in the League Cup after joining them on loan last month at the second time of asking.

The ex-Belgium international left-back’s last competitive appearance was in March, when he came off the bench to help West Brom to a 1-0 home win against Manchester United’s ten men in the Premier League.

Pocognoli told The Argus: “That’s unbelievable. I was waiting for that moment. I didn’t join Brighton in January for personal reasons and also because I wanted to fight for my position.

“That day I got my chance, did well, and the week after I was not in the 18.”

Pocognoli, 29, claims he never received an explanation for disappearing from contention again under Pulis after featuring more regularly in his first season in the West Midlands when Alan Irvine was in charge.

“I wasn’t his type of player and that’s it,” Pocognoli said. “The relationship was good. I’m not a difficult player.

“I always accept the situation. Every day I trained well, still focused for a chance.

“I also had a good relationship with the lads. It’s very important to stay positive, because you have to respect your team-mates and not put your frustration in the dressing room.

“I kept my head up, because I couldn’t do better to manage my situation there. I’m very proud of this because it was very difficult. Now my ambition is promotion with Brighton and to stay here.”

Pocognoli has been working on returning to peak condition since joining Albion for the rest of the season.

“It’s going well,” he said. “I am trying get fit as quick as possible to be at my best level.

“It’s the first time in my career I have not been involved for such a long time. My ex-club put me in a very difficult situation. I hope I am fit as quickly as possible.

“I need games and confidence also in my body, because when you don’t practise your job it’s tough to come back.”