GRAHAM POTTER hopes to toast an Albion win over Crystal Palace – in the company of rival manager Roy Hodgson.

Head coach Potter is preparing for his first experience of a showdown against the Seagulls’ arch rivals.

Potter, 44, will lock horns with 72-year-old Palace boss Hodgson at Selhurst Park on Monday and admits he has nothing but respect for the former England manager.

Both bosses enjoyed success in Sweden and Potter has made no secret of his admiration for Hodgson, who has coached all over the world.

Asked if getting one over on Hodgson would mean something special, Potter replied: “No. It would mean something to win three points for Brighton, and for the players and the supporters.

“It’s not about me versus Roy, or Roy versus me.

“Our club has respect for him as a coach but we shall be trying to win on Monday night and I am sure it will be the same for him.”

In 2015, when parallels were drawn between the two as the Seagulls boss was building up his reputation with Ostersunds, a modest Potter said he would be “embarrassed” to be mentioned in the same breath as the then England boss who marks his 100th Palace game on Monday.

Potter said: “I think when that interview was done I was coaching in the second tier.

“I still look at his longevity and what he has achieved over a period of time and I have full respect for him.”

And despite his high regard for Hodgson’s achievements, he has never sat down to pick his brains. He said: “I met him when Swansea played Crystal Palace last year but we only spoke briefly.”

He added, with a smile: “We have spoken to each other on various Premier League manager meetings since but maybe he’ll invite me in for a glass of something – after we’ve won!”