Albion manager Mark McGhee has backed Leon Knight to maintain his position as the most prolific goalscorer in English League football.

Knight has notched 17 of his 18 goals this season in 23 appearances in the Second Division.

That puts him ahead in the League chart of Premiership stars such as Alan Shearer, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and 12-goal Thierry Henry from his favourite club Arsenal.

He is also in front of Nationwide hotshots like Cardiff's Robert Earnshaw and Marlon Harewood, who arrived at West Ham with a healthy tally from his time at Nottingham Forest.

Knight, poised for a return to the starting line-up against Oldham at Withdean on Saturday, said: "I am shocked to hear that but I am proud of it.

"Hopefully it can carry on. I am an Arsenal fan and I think Henry is the complete player.

"It's good to have scored more League goals than somebody like him, although it is obviously harder in the Premiership."

McGhee left Knight on the bench for Albion's last outing at Swindon 12 days ago after he was suspended for the 4-0 home win against Wycombe on Boxing Day.

The former Chelsea marksman was brought on for the second half and equalised in the Seagulls' 2-1 defeat.

McGhee said: "I look back and think maybe it was the wrong decision not to start with Leon, but keeping John Piercy in gave him an enormous boost and we still lost the game with Leon on the pitch.

"He is looking as sharp as he has all season and, providing he stays fit, I see no reason why he shouldn't maintain his ratio of goals in the second half of the season."

Knight launched his scoring spree with a double in the 3-1 victory at Oldham on the first day of the season.

Remarkably, considering his exploits, he has not hit the target from open play at Withdean for almost three months.

Knight said: "I remember how hot it was at Oldham that day and Darius Henderson nicking a penalty from me, otherwise I would have scored one more!

"I have been looking sharp over the last few days after our little break.

"I am looking forward to playing again on Saturday, if I am picked, and to getting three points and scoring again."

Albion will take on Luton at Kenilworth Road on February 10 (7.45pm). It was postponed from its original January 3 date.