Albion boss Chris Hughton believes Lewis Dunk and Dale Stephens have proved themselves as Premier League class.

Central defender Dunk and midfielder Stephens are among only seven outfield players used by their managers for every minute of every match.

The pair were targeted by Premier League clubs when the Seagulls were in the Championship and Hughton has hailed their performances in the top flight.

He told The Argus: “Both of them have been excellent for us. Both have slotted into Premier League levels very, very well and looked very comfortable in the roles they have played.”

Chelsea fan Dunk was given the slip by Alvaro Morata when the striker headed in a cross for the breakthrough straight after half-time in Albion’s 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day. The teams clash again at the Amex today (12.30).

Hughton said: “I don’t think the fact that it (Morata’s goal) was at Chelsea would have had any bearing. He (Dunk) would have been disappointed with any goal that he felt he could have done better in.

“He would be no different to anybody in the team about that. I don’t think the Chelsea game has significance. What he has given us this season is far more quality and better performances than mistakes.”

Burnley’s Jack Cork is the only other midfielder to have played every minute of every match. Stephens has 15 games left to complete an ever-present season.

“It would be very difficult,” Hughton said. “Where I am delighted is that when I first came to the club he had this injury (ankle) which kept him out which was a very frustrating injury but since that he’s generally been injury free.

“He is very fit, he’s a good mover and we hope he is fit for all the games. He’s a key player for us.”

Dunk will not be marking Morata again. The centre-forward is banned along with Pedro for red cards in Wednesday’s FA Cup tie with Norwich.