ALBION manager Chris Hughton has been applauded for keeping faith with Anthony Knockaert.

Hughton has continued to pick Knockaert, despite a dip in the Frenchman’s form following the death of his father in November.

Knockaert scored both goals in Friday’s 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday, either side of a crucial penalty save by David Stockdale.

Seagulls No.1 Stockdale said: “He (Knockaert) went through a tough time but we will cuddle him as much as he needs, tell him off as much as he needs.

“I’ve got to give the gaffer a lot of credit, because some people might have taken him out of the limelight a little bit and given him a rest.

“But I think we’ve done the best thing, let him work it out of himself. It just shows the character and depth in the team, that we are able to make up for somebody.

“It’s not as if, he loses form, we are a dead team. We’ve got enough in the team. And when he does come to life he’s a pleasure to watch. What a guy to have around and in the changing room.”

Albion seek a sixth home win in all competitions in tomorrow night’s game in hand against Cardiff at the Amex and Stockdale a 12th clean sheet since a run of one defeat in 20 league matches.