JAMIE MURPHY is convinced Albion can compete with the best in the Championship – after getting over a mid-winter blip.

The Scottish winger capped an impressive performance, by the team and individually, with an injury-time goal as the Seagulls beat Brentford 3-0 at the Amex last night.

Anthony Knockaert opened his account for the club, after Murphy set him up, and Tomer Hemed headed home to open a 2-0 lead by half-time.

The result takes the Seagulls into third spot ahead of today’s fixtures. They have now won three in a row and this was their biggest margin of victory under Chris Hughton’s management.

Murphy said: “We know we are a good side, we know we can compete with the best and win tough games like this.

“We had a little blip, December and January, but I think it has only made us stronger.

“If you want to achieve anything you need to put runs together and win your home games.

“We have got another home game next week (versus Bolton) and we look forward to it.”

Murphy was sent clear to calmly roll a shot inside the far post for the goal he deserved.

He said: “I just thought I’d keep running. It was a hard game but I always thought there would be that one chance for me to break through and score.

“We have got that ability when we counter attack. Brentford are good on the ball so sometimes you have to play on the break.

“I’ve worked hard in every single game. Sometimes you get the breaks, sometimes you don’t.”