Rohan Ince reckons he has made it tough for Chris Hughton to drop him after his Albion career suffered a setback under Sami Hyypia.

The defensive midfielder is expected to start his 17th match out of 20 for Hughton against Bournemouth tonight.

Ince, 22, made only 11 starts in 26 games for Hyypia following a breakthrough season under Oscar Garcia.

He told The Argus: “It was quite hard for me, quite a setback, coming off the back of a good season I had previously.

“I had to keep my head up, keep training well, not get too down or depressed about it. I felt I did that and when the opportunity came I felt I did well.

“Sami played quite a different formation to Oscar and Chris Hughton.

“That might be the reason why he didn’t want to play me, I’m not sure. That’s up to him really.

“I tried to do the best I could in training and when I got a chance to play as well as I can. That’s all I can do, then it’s up to the manager.

“I feel I’ve been playing quite well recently, bringing good competition for the gaffer in the midfield area.

“I’m giving him quite a tough decision to drop me in my opinion.”

Bournemouth, with five wins in an eight-match unbeaten run, will pull four points clear at the top with another victory.

Ince said: “We don’t fear them but we respect them.”