Albion boss Gus Poyet has hailed goalscoring defender Inigo Calderon as “different class”.

The Spaniard slotted his sixth of the season to secure a 1-0 win for the Seagulls at Withdean last night, which puts them ten points clear at the top of League One.

Poyet said: “Sometimes you get centre-halves giving you three or four goals a year and it’s unbelievable. When a right-back gives you six goals it is different class.

“He has been excellent in front of goal, outstanding in terms of chances and goals scored.”

Calderon almost joined Southampton last summer before pledging his future to Albion.

Poyet said: “The reason I got so upset about that was because I wanted him here with us.

“Tano (assistant manager Mauricio Taricco) said one day that people do not realise Calde should be playing in a higher division and maybe he is better than a few in the Premier League.

“He understands the game and he looks after himself. There are plenty of things he does daily more than any other player at the club, because he wants to make sure he is at his best.”

Adam El-Abd was forced off just before half-time with a hamstring injury. His replacement, Tommy Elphick, is now poised to deputise for him for at least the next two matches.

Poyet revealed: “Adam will miss Saturday (Swindon home) for sure and Tuesday (at Dagenham) is very close. I think he has got a chance for the game after Dagenham at Rochdale. That is what we are expecting.”

Elliott Bennett is also an early doubt for Swindon’s visit due to a dead leg.