The influence of Dale Stephens over Albion's challenge to reach the Premier League has been revealed.

The promotion-bound Seagulls have won 23 out of 30 league matches this season with Stephens in the starting line-up, a 77 per cent ratio.

The figure drops to 33 per cent when the midfielder has been on the bench or missing from the matchday squad, 12 games producing only four victories.

 

Stephens earned praise from manager Chris Hughton for his performance in Friday night's 2-0 win at Wolves.

Hughton said: "I thought he was excellent. They tried to overload the midfield and they've got some good passers in there.

"For periods of the game it was quite difficult. But he has been a mainstay, he's played a lot of games for us."

Stephens makes his 14th start in succession against Wigan at the Amex tomorrow, with Albion needing a win to effectively wrap promotion up with three games to spare.