ALBION'S players are relishing the heat of the automatic promotion race.

That is the message from assistant manager Colin Calderwood after they came from behind to win away from home for the first time in two years at Birmingham last night.

The Seagulls had not achieved the feat since also winning 2-1 at Calderwood's old club Nottingham Forest to clinch a play-off place under Oscar Garcia at the end of the 2013-14 campaign.

Calderwood told The Argus: "We have been in front in most of the games away from home. If we hadn't come back it would have been seen as the pressure but the boys are enjoying the situation. It's more a case of genuine excitement and anticipation.

"We didn't do it last year and we've done it twice now, one was at home. I didn't realise it was a couple of years since the last time and the manner of it wasn't frantic. Their goal didn't upset us too much and that's encouraging to see."

Boss Chris Hughton made a big call, bringing back Jiri Skalak on the right-wing among three changes at the expense of Anthony Knockaert, who provided a goal and an assist in Saturday's 2-2 home draw with leaders Burnley.

It paid off as the Czech international delivered a free-kick and then a corner, headed in by central defenders Connor Goldson and Lewis Dunk, to erase an early gift for Birmingham debutant Kyle Lafferty stemming from a mistake by keeper David Stockdale.

Calderwood said: "The squad is talented and they have been very good at accepting the moments when they don't start a game. I'm a big fan of using people that are fresh and their energy.

"There is rhythm to playing game after game but you also can't wear people out. You keep everyone involved and going forward it's a great situation for us. It's not a rotation policy, just use of the talented players we have."

Albion are back to within two points of Burnley after they were held at home by play-off chasing Cardiff. Middlesbrough, comfortable winners at home to Huddersfield, remain a point above the Seagulls in second with a game in hand.