Gus Poyet says Albion's trip to Championship leaders Southampton on Saturday is bigger than playing Crystal Palace.

The Seagulls' chief told The Argus: "Palace is special because of the history, because of the rivalry, because of the derby, the fans.

"For me as a manager this is a more important game than Palace, because it's Southampton and they are proving they are a better team than Palace, so it's a better game for us."

Meanwhile, Dutch striker Roland Bergkamp, signed by Albion in the summer, has joined Rochdale on loan until January 2 and could make his League debut in English football at Preston on Saturday.