CHRIS HUGHTON has put his Albion players on guard after their return to the top half of the Premier League table.

They go to Everton tomorrow in tenth, their highest position since the end of November, following the home win against Arsenal.

A seven-match unbeaten run, including the FA Cup, has helped establish a seven-point cushion over the relegation zone, but Hughton has warned the picture can alter quickly.

He said: “We’re in a position in the league where the changes from one game to another can mean a big difference in league places. We’ve seen teams get out of trouble and also seen sides who’ve gone the other way and that can be a consequence of only a few results.

“So we always make sure we deal with the next game because change can happen dramatically. We have to be guarded against that and our approach going into every game has been correct.

“That must continue this weekend.”

Hughton’s warning is supported by the turnaround with Everton, who are immediately below Albion on goal difference.

They were seven points clear of the Seagulls four games ago, but three defeats over that period have put the heat on Sam Allardyce after their initial climb out of trouble when he replaced the axed Ronald Koeman at Goodison Park at the end of November.

Albion’s visit has been billed as “massive” for Allardyce’s future on Merseyside by ex-Everton captain Kevin Ratcliffe.

Hughton told The Argus: “If there is any pressure up at Everton at the moment it’s only because of the level of club they are. They are a very big club in this division and they are going to have ups and downs, the same as everybody else.

“Sam was brought in for a reason. He is a hugely experienced manager used to the ups and downs and difficult periods where things are not going well and the criticisms.

“That’s the reason why he was brought in and I have no doubt that he will make a success of the what he has got and that they will be the club they want to be.”