Albion boss Sami Hyypia has praised the professionalism of Aaron Hughes and the extra-time he puts in to stay in tip-top shape.

Hughes, 35, deputises in the centre of defence for the Seagulls in place of the suspended Lewis Dunk at Norwich today.

The Northern Ireland international has played only 13 minutes of Championship football for Albion since mid-September but Hyypia has no qualms about depending on him to help his strugglers in their quest for a second away league win of the season.

The Finn, asked if he has the best third-choice centre-half in the division, told The Argus: “I would say I have the best professional and the most consistent, because I know if I put Aaron on the field what I am going to get.

“He is a consistent performer. Even at his age he is a very fit.

“Sometimes after games at home when he hasn’t been playing he goes to the gym at the training ground to do his exercises.

“That says everything about him. He is a great professional.”

Albion are in yellow peril against the Canaries at Carrow Road. They have lost Dunk to five bookings and Hughes’ partner Gordon Greer, midfielder Gary Gardner and winger Kazenga LuaLua are all on the brink of following suit.

The suspension cut-off for five cautions is the end of November, so the trio need to stay out of trouble against Norwich and Fulham at the Amex next Saturday.