LuaLua praised by Poyet for starring role (From The Argus)

LuaLua praised by Poyet for starring role

5:00pm Wednesday 21st March 2012 in Albion By Andy Naylor

Albion chief Gus Poyet has saluted Kazenga LuaLua’s starring show against Derby as his best performance for the club.

And he believes the Seagulls have a “big, big chance” of promotion if they can keep Vicente fit for the rest of the season.

LuaLua and Vicente both produced outstanding displays in last night’s 2-0 victory at The Amex, which has lifted Albion to fourth, their highest position since September.

Vicente set up the goals for Inigo Calderon and Ashley Barnes, while LuaLua tormented the Derby defence with his pace and power.

Poyet told The Argus: “For one reason or another, after watching Derby, I thought it was the game for Kazenga. I know he played well in his first spell and my first season here, but I don’t remember a better performance from Kazenga for Brighton.

“It was his best performance against a team that has been in the Premier League and in the top ten in the Championship. That shows what he can do. It was his game and he’s a happy boy.

“He has probably been a little annoyed not to be playing, but that is natural and he is always very respectful and always talking to me.”

It is the first time Vicente has started consecutive games since October, due to a series of injury and fitness issues. Poyet said: “Imagine if he had been fit all season?

“How many points is that, another ten or 15? Where would we be now? If we keep him fit from now until the end we have got a big, big chance.”

Sam Vokes was forced off in the second half by severe cramp. Albion’s promotion prospects were helped by defeats for Birmingham and Hull, while Saturday’s hosts Nottingham Forest had an extraordinary 7-3 win at Leeds.