Leroy Rosenior believes Albion have what it takes to reach the summit of English football this season - and says they are in perfect shape to sink title rivals Newcastle tonight.

The 52-year-old father of Albion defender Liam thinks the Seagulls now have enough experience at the top of the Championship and are ready for the step up.

Former Fulham, QPR and West Ham striker Rosenior said: "Brighton have got a very good chance. They have put themselves in a very good position but they have to see it through. They have experience at the top of the Championship so hopefully that will count in their favour.

“They did a really good job in the summer, holding tight and not allowing their better players to leave the club. One or two at the end of last season would have been disappointed not to have made it to the Premier League but the club did well to convince them to stay and believe they could fulfil that ambition with Brighton.”

Albion face Newcastle at the Amex in a top-of-the-table clash this evening and Rosenior says Chris Hughton’s side must keep focus ahead of the highly anticipated showdown.

He said: “All the facets of the team work really well – they couldn’t be going into this game against Newcastle in better form or in a better place.

"But Newcastle are obviously a very dangerous side, they have lots of players like Mitrovic. This is a big opportunity for Brighton but it is about them keeping focused, keeping their heads. They just need to focus on what is the next step ahead and they make that step correctly.

"It is in their hands and they’ll be delighted where they are at this stage of the season and I really hope that they take this opportunity."

The full interview with Leroy Rosenior can be found at https://sports.bwin.com/en/news/football-betting/championship/leroy-rosenior-interview,122915.html 

By Luke Dennis