Boss Chris Hughton has absolved skipper Bruno of any blame for Preston's killer second goal in Albion's 2-0 defeat at Deepdale today.

Callum Robinson was released goal side of the veteran Spaniard to double the home side's advantage early in the second half.

Hughton told The Argus: "It was difficult for Bruno. We were in possession of the ball, we were pushing to get forward, Bruno has got himself forward and then we lose possession and once we lose possession Bruno is up against a quick player, having to try to get back goal side.

"I felt a little bit for him. At that stage we were taking a little bit of a chance. We need to keep possession there.

"The lad is quick and, the side that Bruno was on, it became difficult for Bruno to get the ball without bringing him down. At that stage, outside the box, it would probably have been a sending-off, so he did the best that he could."

Hughton saw nothing in a second half incident involving Frenchman Anthony Knockaert. Preston left-back Greg Cunningham reacted as if he had been butted as they went head-to-head, but referee Simon Hooper showed only a yellow card to the home defender.

Hughton said: "I saw Anthony shape up to him, I didn't see any more than that. The referee did, he was right there. I can only presume the referee did what he thought was correct."