Chris Hughton has warned Albion to be wary of the Championship’s old warhorse Neil Warnock wrecking their bid to see their way back to the top of the table.

Warnock’s Cardiff have continued in good form since last month’s trip to the Amex was postponed due to fog.

Back-to-back league wins against Burton and Bristol City after losing to Fulham in the FA Cup have maintained the Welshmen’s climb out of trouble under the 68-year-old.

Cardiff were next-to-bottom when Warnock succeeded Paul Trollope, now Hughton’s Albion No.2, in October. They have won seven, drawn four and lost four league games since he took over to rise to 16th, eight points clear of relegation.

Hughton said: “Neil’s done the job he always does. That’s why he is still managing at a ripe old age, because of the enthusiasm he has got.

“He knows the league probably better than anybody and has done well in it for longer than anyone can remember so we expect a very tough game.

“They are on the back of two good wins, so they are in form as well. In my time here we haven’t had a comfortable game against Cardiff and, with Neil, you know what to expect – a team that’s going to be fighting to get a result.

“But we’d like to capitalise on being at home on the back of a really good victory on Friday (Sheffield Wednesday).

Albion, held to a 0-0 draw in Wales at the start of December, will return to the summit if they stretch their winning run at the Amex in all competitions to six matches.