Adam Virgo has been hailed by his defensive partner as the ultimate professional.

Tommy Elphick has been impressed by Virgo’s form since the ex-skipper forced his way back into the team.

The versatile Virgo is expected to make his fifth start in succession alongside Elphick in his preferred position at centre half against Millwall today.

Elphick said: “He has been the ultimate professional. He has come in and worked every day as hard as he can and he deserves his chance.

“He is a hero at Brighton. The club means a lot to him, as it does with the other local lads, so he was never going to give it up easily. He has come back in rejuvenated and he is showing very strong form at the moment.”

Albion have conceded only four goals in their last four league outings and Elphick wants a repeat of the clean sheet in the Boxing Day draw against Leyton Orient the last time they played at Withdean.

He said: “It’s about a platform for winning games and you are never going to win games if you are conceding two or three every week,” he said.

“Since the gaffer has come in we have looked more solid and we are definitely giving ourselves more chance of winning games.

“I’ve said before that it’s important to me I am playing with the same person week in and week out. We are down to three centre halves at the moment with me Virgs and Tunny (James Tunnicliffe). We know each other now, so there are no more excuses.”