CHRIS HUGHTON says keeping Albion in the Premier League will be as big as getting them there.

The Seagulls are still 12th and remain four points above the relegation zone after the 0-0 draw at Newcastle, who pipped them to the title last season.

Hughton said: “You cannot under-estimate how tough and difficult it (the Premier League) is, particularly for a team that have not been in this position before.

“Yes I think staying up will be as big an achievement. And it’s different.

“When you are us or Newcastle in the Championship last season, you are winning more games than you are losing, so there are more good weeks, more good feels.

“This season is different. You know you are going to lose more games than you win and it’s coping with that.

“So as an achievement I think it will be equally as big.”

Hughton admits today’s result against Bournemouth (12.30) at the Amex will define how successful the hectic Christmas and New Year period has been for Albion after winning the last home game against Watford, losing at Chelsea and picking up their first away point for five games at St James’ Park.

He told The Argus: “It would have to be. One game to go, at least it’s at home.

“The unfortunate thing for us is we get less recovery time than the others but we have to dust down and go again.”

Albion have one slight new injury worry. Hughton said: “Lewis Dunk is the only one that got a whack but he’s a very tough individual and I am quite sure that he will be okay.”

The Seagulls’ chief has played down further speculation linking fringe winger Jamie Murphy with a move to Glasgow Rangers, the club he idolises.

“We’ve heard the rumours but at this moment there is nothing definite,” Hughton said. “He is such a good individual. He gets on with it, trains well every day.”