DALE STEPHENS wants “the best midfield partnership in the division” to help Albion to promotion.

But he believes the Seagulls over-performed as they stand poised to push for the top two tonight.

Stephens agreed with a suggestion that, with Beram Kayal, he is part of the best midfield double act of its kind in the second tier.

He feels a getting-to-know-you period last season, when Albion were in the wrong half of the table, has been key to that.

The dynamic duo go up against a QPR midfield tonight underpinned by ex-QPR battler Karl Henry.

Asked if he and Kayal were the Championship’s best pairing, Stephens said: “I would say so. I would agree.

“I think we have played our best season together. Last season we were just getting to know each other but this year as a team we have over performed.

“The system suits the whole team and we are so similar players. We do both jobs and the changing in system has helped our games.

“We have shared defensive and attacking responsibilities and it has suited our games.

“It would be nice to score a few more goals.

“But if we can get the job done and do what we set up to do this year then we will be happy.”