DALE STEPHENS has pledged full commitment to Albion’s promotion cause after coming off the bench to earn three more points.

The midfield star slotted the only goal of the game at Wigan from 20 yards to lift the Seagulls to second in the table.

Stephens, who handed in a transfer request at the end of the summer window after multiple bids from Burnley, told The Argus: “It’s obviously nice to come off the bench, make an impact and ultimately score the winner.

“But every time I’m on the pitch I’m fully committed. That’s something I will carry on doing throughout the season.”

Stephens was a mainstay of Albion’s promotion near-miss last season but the transfer distraction, form of summer signings Steve Sidwell and Oliver Norwood, a red card and injury issues have restricted him to a bit-part role so far this term.

He was in contention to start last week’s home win against Wolves until a niggle limited him to the bench.

“I did it last week in training, just a little bit of pain in my groin,” he said. “I was carrying it for a couple of days but I felt good enough to play (at Wigan), come off the bench and make an impact.

“I’ve struggled for a bit of rhythmn, due to the fact that Siddy and Ollie have been playing very well together. Along the way I’ve had a few niggles which have just kept me out of training for a few days.

“The manager hasn’t gone with me in the end but it’s a team game and there is enough talent and togetherness in this squad. We want to do this together and sometimes you’ve got to be patient and wait for your chance. I’ve done that.”

Manager Chris Hughton must now decide whether to keep faith with the Sidwell/Norwood combination or restore Stephens to the starting line-up for Saturday’s Amex showdown against fourth-placed Norwich.

Central defender Lewis Dunk is set to step straight back in after a one-match ban.