Graham Potter was somewhat quirkily asked about the All Blacks in his post-match press conference at Preston tonight.

He didn’t quite hear the question properly or maybe didn’t understand the rugby reference.

The All Blacks – and all touring rugby teams – send out their strongest team on a Saturday, including Test matches, and ask the rest of the squad to keep momentum flying in the lower-profile midweek games.

That is sort of how it is working for Albion so far in this unusual start to the season.

Potter’s thoughts now will be on who can go from midweek XI to Saturday starter if needed.

The great news he is being given decisions to make.

He revealed tonight Alireza Jahanbakhsh was close to a Prem start at Newcastle after his goal and performance against Portsmouth last week.

NOW RELIVE THE ACTION FROM PRESTON

He and others will have stated cases or offered reminders in tonight’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win at Deepdale.

Jahanbakhsh crashed home a right-foot finish on 57 minutes to give Albion a lead their slick second-half efforts merited.

Alexis Mac Allister made sure of the win when he arrived late as per last week versus Pompey, this time to shoot home after wizardry from Pascal Gross.

Everyone played a part in this long-awaited first-ever Albion win at Preston, right through from Jason Steele and his fingertip save at 0-0.

Throw in the work of youngsters Haydon Roberts and Max Sanders and you had a performance of which to be proud.

Preston, it must be said, made line-up changes too.

But Albion got everything they wanted from this trip to Lancashire.

Confidence is high. The Seagulls will look forward to facing United twice.

Just don’t expect them to do the haka.