BOSS Chris Hughton says Albion deserve to be in their highest position for 35 years.

The Seagulls are 12th in the Premier League following Sunday’s 1-1 home draw against Southampton.

The last time they occupied such a lofty position in the top flight was after beating Manchester United in November 1982.

Albion have won three, drawn three and lost four of their opening ten games.

Hughton said: “In these ten we’ve played two of the top six (Manchester City and Arsenal) and even in the (other) games we lost, away at Leicester and Bournemouth, we haven’t been embarrassed in any.

“We deserve to be there but by far the most important thing is there’s a lot more work to be done. You can in this division lose three, four, five games on the spin. We’ve got to make sure to guard against that.”

The stalemate with Saints was the first time Albion have avoided defeat after falling behind in the Premier League. The only time they have been beaten in their last five matches was at Arsenal.

Hughton told The Argus: “That is (good going), particularly with the quality in this division. Southampton have got some really good individuals. I’ve seen a couple of their games. I saw them at home to Manchester United, where I thought they were really unlucky not to get a result, and they played very well at Palace.

“We never under-estimate the opposition, even if we have a good day. Overall we’ve been really delighted.”

Hughton could name the same starting eleven for the third match in succession on Saturday at fourth-bottom Swansea, who are four points worse off.