Anthony Knockaert wants to go up with Albion in memory of his dad.

The French winger says his hunger to return to the Premier League with the Seagulls has been heightened by losing his father.

Patrick Knockaert died last month. That has made Knockaert even more determined to help Chris Hughton’s troops to promotion this season and make amends for a rough period with Leicester in the top flight.

Knockaert told The Argus: “I had a tough time in the Premier League at Leicester. I didn’t play a lot and my dad was suffering because of that. He was asking me why I wasn’t playing.

“It was hurting me so much as well. It would have been his dream, to see me playing every game in the Premier League.

“That’s why it gives me even more desire and motivation to show him I will be there one day and that I will do my best for him.

“He always believed in me. He was sure I would be there. Now he is not here to see it but I’m sure he would be proud if I do it.

“Since I started my career I’ve had some ups and downs. I think I could have been in the Premier League for a few years now but that hasn’t happened. That’s football. I need to work even harder and maybe it will come.

“I hope it is with Brighton. I really love this club and I’ll do my maximum to get it where it needs to be.”

Knockaert returns to the starting line-up against promotion rivals Leeds at the Amex tonight.

The clash brings him face-to-face with former Leicester team-mate and ex-Seagulls loan striker Chris Wood.

The Kiwi has scored ten goals in the Championship, one less than Albion marksman Glenn Murray.

Knockaert said: “He was great for us at Leicester. He was a bit unlucky, because it was Vardy and Nugent up front. Sometimes he wasn’t playing but he always had a good mentality, worked hard.

“Now he is showing what he can do. He’s a top lad as well. I’m happy for him but hopefully it won’t be good for him on Friday!”