Gus Poyet watched Albion beat Championship outfit Watford today, then admitted it was just the test he wanted for his side.

Ashley Barnes gave the League One leaders a deserved 1-0 win at Vicarage Road.

Success followed the third-round elimination of Portsmouth, who played with ten men for most of the Withdean tie.

Poyet said: "It was what we were looking for.

"I know players like the Manchesters, Chelseas and company.

"We wanted the chance to play against a top Championship team and see where we are.

"Today we had a chance to test oursleves in a nice way and it was very important for me to see the quality of players this year and make decisions for next year."

Poyet admitted he was concerned how his side would fare on a tricky playing surface - but that those concerns were unfounded.

He added: "We had three midfielders who want to pass and that's what they did, especially in the first half.

"Of course being 1-0 down Watford will throw everything at you and put pressure on you, which is difficult to defend, but I still think we deserved it.

"We had the best chance, we hit the crossbar. Overall I thought it was a great performance.

"Credit to everyone (for the clean sheet), credit to Peter Brezovan and Tommy Elphick.

"They hadn't been playing for a while, they had to jump in for a Cup game with plenty of pressure and I think both played tremendously well."