Albion boss Gus Poyet has tipped skipper Gordon Greer to join match-winner Craig Mackail-Smith in the Scotland squad after last night’s 1-0 victory at Derby County.

Mackail-Smith ended his nine-game drought with the Seagulls’ 13th-minute decider at Pride Park and then saw former Swindon, Doncaster and Blackburn centre- half Greer marshal the defence magnificently for the rest of the match.

Poyet told The Argus: “They (Scotland) have been watching him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a call, because of the way he is performing at this level.

“He is the best centre-half in the division without any doubt but he is defending as well with aggression. He is jumping, tackling, he’s not getting booked, he is always in the right place, he’s commanding. That is why he is the captain.

“I am pleased for him, because it means a lot when players need to drop a division to re-start their career and then get a chance in the Championship.

“I just hope he can keep himself fit, because he has been playing with a few aches. It’s the best thing you can have as a manager, a captain on the pitch like Gordon.”

Poyet was also delighted with Mackail-Smith’s right-foot finish from just inside the box which earned Albion their first away win in seven games and lifted them to seventh in the table. “What a strike!” Poyet exclaimed. “Like I said, it was a matter of time.”

Inigo Calderon was booked early in the second half and is now banned for Nottingham Forest’s visit on Saturday. The Spaniard was replaced shortly afterwards by Adam El-Abd, making his first appearance for seven months.

Poyet revealed: “We need to give Calde a rest anyway. He has been playing with a really bad knee.”

Derby chief Nigel Clough was left frustrated by the manner of his team’s fifth defeat in succession. He said: “That is the best we’ve played for weeks. The game should have been over at half-time.”