Albion chief Gus Poyet has told Tommy Elphick: “I still need you”.

Elphick made way for the return of captain Gordon Greer in Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of Charlton, which has given the table-topping Seagulls their best start to a season for 84 years.

Elphick had played every minute of the previous 17 matches, stretching back to the end of last season.

Poyet believes there is better to come from the fit-again Greer but has also stressed home-grown centre half Elphick remains a key member of the squad.

“I think he (Greer) is a leader and there is still plenty to come from him,” Poyet told The Argus. “He probably finished a bit tired, which is normal after his first game for a few weeks.

“He makes us play, he understands the game and he is a good leader.

“But I still need Tommy Elphick. I don’t want anyone to think that’s it for him. I need him to be with us at any time.

“I was even planning, if the score was 2-0, to make him play at the back and maybe go a little bit stronger at the back.

“I need him to be focused, because he is going to be part of this team. I think Tommy is a professional. It’s the first time it has happened to him with me.

“I preferred not to talk to him before the game. I'll probably have a talk with him during the week, like proper adults.”