Jose Izquierdo admits he was disappointed with himself on the night of his first goal at the Amex.

But the Colombian winger has told The Argus he is closing on peak form and fitness.

The hectic programme which lies ahead holds no fears after his adaptation to the European game in Belgium.

Izquierdo is among those perhaps wondering how Chris Hughton will opt to use his resources over the challenging period ahead.

The Seagulls go to high-flying Manchester United before the home derby with Crystal Palace.

To some that timing might bring back memories of Palace’s first trip to the Amex hot on the heels of big Albion home games against Leeds and Liverpool.

The Argus:

Izquierdo scores against Stoke

Of more immediate relevance is that, even putting aside the local derby aspect, Palace at home is probably a bigger game than United away in terms of the ultimate goal of picking up the points required to secure safety.

The key for Izquierdo is that he feels he is generally on an upward curve despite self-criticism of his end product in the 2-2 draw against Stoke.

He got into some great areas and seemed the player most likely to really trouble the Potters.

But he was not happy with what he made of those dangerous situations.

Izquierdo, who put himself at about 60% of top form after the draw against Everton, told The Argus: “I’d say now I’m about 70 or 80% of what I can do.

“I am getting better with the confidence of the manager and my team mates in me.

“I am still improving, especially I think in the defensive part.

“I’m improving in terms of knowing how the manager wants me to work.

“I need to keep this place in the team and score a few more goals.”

Some fans have compared Izquierdo’s eagerness to cut inside and let fly with former favourite Kazenga LuaLua.

Maybe a more flattering comparison would be with a left-sided version of Arjen Robben or with current Italian star Lorenzo Insigne.

His curler narrowly wide cutting on to his right foot was a bit defter than his usual approach but very reminiscent of what Insigne does on a very regular basis at Napoli - and indeed how he scored on Wednesday.

Izquierdo also got into a good first-half position against Stoke when he ultimately seemed to confuse himself about what he wanted to do.

He combined cleverly with the astute Glenn Murray after the break before driving a rather aimless ball across the six-yard box.

But, when the rebound fell to him, he showed good control and reactions to shoot low inside the far post and save a point, though the goal did not bring much of a celebration.

He said: “I’m disappointed because I had a few opportunities at the beginning of the game to score and that goal can change the game.”

Not that he felt too down. When asked in an interview how much he was looking forward to Old Trafford, he paused, then replied with a laugh: “How much? Much!”

Yesterday marked the first anniversary of the night Izquierdo scored for Club Brugge at Leicester in the Champions League.

It was a goal the locals still remembered when Albion were at the King Power Stadium in August.

Perhaps significantly, it helped show why the busy spell coming up holds no fears for the winger.

He played the full 90 minutes that night between starts the previous and subsequent Fridays in the league, when he was involved for 62 and 70 minutes respectively.

Although he was not in the side for much of December he came back to play league fixtures on December 18, 21 and 26.

Two years ago, he finished November with three starts in nine days, including a Champions League game.

What he has not quite done is maintain that rhythm over a six-week period.

But, in 2015, he played six league games between November 22 and December 26, a workload which might not be any less than he has this year if, as expected, Hughton makes use of his squad.

Solly March looked very fired up to impress when he got his chance against Stoke.

It would be disappointing if he did not get more chance to show what he can do.

But what seems clear is Izquierdo will not shy away from, for example, a blast of three games in eight or nine days if required.

He said: “Normally I’ve played more games in less time in Belgium.

“We had Belgian Cup, the league, Europa League or Champions League.

“We had lots of midweek games. I’m used to it.”