Leon Knight became an instant hero in Swansea last night after scoring a hat-trick on his debut.

Knight quit Albion for Swansea in a £125,000 switch late last week following a series of bust-ups with boss Mark McGhee.

The latest which prompted his move came on the coach to the match at Southampton on January 2.

He was dropped from the 16 for that game but returned to action in spectacular style in a 3-1 victory for his new club last night.

Knight needed just five minutes to make his mark at home to bottom side Milton Keynes Dons.

A second goal followed on 12 minutes and the diminutive striker, who Albion had signed from Chelsea, completed his hat-trick within half an hour.

Knight now has eight goals for the season. He remains the Seagulls' leading marksman with five but had not scored for Albion since the defeat at home to Crystal Palace on November 20.

The win at the Liberty Stadium lifted Swansea above Southend on goal difference and, with a game in hand and star striker Lee Trundle to return from injury, their promotion challenge is looking strong.