Supersub Gary Dicker has pinpointed strength in depth as one of the reasons for Albion’s success.

The Irish midfielder shrugged off the disappointment of being left out of the starting line-up to play a pivotal part in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Oldham.

Dicker, brought on in the second half at the same time as matchwinner Ashley Barnes, made Albion tick.

Craig Noone inspired the Seagulls after coming off the bench in the previous game at home to Tranmere.

Dicker admitted: “I was definitely disappointed but everyone wants to play. As the gaffer says he cannot play everyone and keep everybody happy. It’s how you react and it has happened all year.

“Nine times out of ten the lads do the business or people come on and do the business, as Nooney did in the previous game.

“I think it’s a good squad more than a big squad. We all know what we are doing and what the manager wants when we come on.

“We spoke at half-time about what we could do better and how we could hurt them more. He told me to get the ball out wide to Benno (Elliott Bennett), get us up the pitch and try to get more crosses and balls in the box and I think it worked.”

Manager Gus Poyet said: “Last week it was Nooney, this time it was Gary Dicker. He was at his best when he came on, passing the ball and making the whole team play.”