Crofts inspired by his Brighton Belle (From The Argus)

Crofts inspired by his Brighton Belle

9:00am Saturday 24th November 2012 in Albion By Andy Naylor

Andrew Crofts with new daughter Belle

Andrew Crofts has vowed to become Albion’s midfield daddy again – after a boost from a Brighton Belle.

The new father-of-two is fired up for today’s visit of Bolton following the birth of his daughter.

Crofts was granted leave by the club from last Saturday’s 2-1 win at Huddesrfield and she was born hours later.

The midfielder said: “I’ve got a little boy already who is nearly four, called Ryan, and had a little girl at the weekend called Belle. Being a dad is the best thing in the world for me and I’m buzzing.

“Saturday night was a great night, because not only did I have a baby girl, we got the three points as well.”

Crofts’ return to Albion after he was re-signed in the summer from Norwich has been stop-start, including seven weeks out with a hamstring injury.

Now he is ready to recapture the form which earned him the captaincy in his first spell under Gus Poyet, a move to Norwich and promotion to the Premier League.

He said: “The injury set me back a little bit but I am getting back to where I want to be. I am getting nice and strong and fit and in training this week, after the birth of my baby girl, I’ve felt right at it.

“I’d give myself a seven so far this season but I am hoping to push on from that. There’s a lot more I want to give and now I am getting back to full fitness I think people will start seeing it.”

Albion have the chance to make it three wins out of four and stretch their unbeaten run to six games by recording their 1,000th home league victory against relegated Wanderers.

“Things are coming together nicely,” said Crofts. “A few weeks ago we were on a bit of a not so good run but now it’s totally different.

“We are looking strong. Performances have been really good and if we can keep building on that everyone knows what a good side we are.”