Boss Chris Hughton has saluted the “outstanding” goalscoring contribution of Anthony Knockaert to Albion’s promotion challenge.

The French winger scored the crucial opening goal, his 12th of the season, in last night’s 2-0 win at bottom club Rotherham to keep the Seagulls on course for the Premier League and celebrate signing a two-year contract extension last week.

Knockaert pounced early in the second half after Beram Kayal and Sam Baldock had both been denied.

Hughton told The Argus: “He’s in the right place at the right time and he’s scored a few goals like that, coming in from the right flank, getting himself in the box and finishing.

“That’s Anthony for you. Even in a game that probably wasn’t his best, he can always produce something, a cross or assist or a goal.

“Twelve goals for a wide player at any level is outstanding – and the season is not finished yet. If he was to get to 15 or 16 that would be fantastic for a wide player.”

Hughton opted for Jiri Skalak on the other flank rather than Solly March, who came off the bench in place of Knockaert to secure the points with his second goal since returning from a year out with knee damage.

Hughton said: “I had a decision to make. It’s a tough one for Solly at the moment. He’s pushing and there’s no doubt he is a player of Anthony-type ability. Sometimes it’s right to put him and Anthony in the same team, sometimes it’s a little bit more difficult.”

Albion are back to within three points of leaders Newcastle after they were held to a 0-0 draw at Reading. Third-placed Huddersfield kept up the pressure with a 1-0 home win over Aston Villa to stay six points behind the Seagulls with a game in hand.

Leeds, hosts for Albion’s next away game, drew 1-1 at Fulham to fall nine points adrift of Hughton’s side. Albion will go level on points with Newcastle at the top if they beat Derby at the Amex on Friday night.