Jiri Skalak admits he is having to toughen up to survive in Championship.

But Albion’s goal-maker has told fans he is getting better with every game as he adapts to a new league.

Skalak shone at free-kicks and corners as he set up both goals in Tuesday night’s precious 2-1 win at Birmingham. He also set up goals at Cardiff and MK Dons and has four assists in his short time with the Seagulls.

But he told The Argus he is still coming to terms with the bruising nature of second-tier English football. Skalak, signed from Czech outfit Mlada Boleslav in January, said: “I like it here but it has been very difficult for me.

“The football is more of a fight here. The football is different. The stadia are very nice but the pitches aren’t as good as in the Czech Republic, like at Birmingham. But I’m learning all the time. I think next week better, next week better.”

The Seagulls kept promotion hopes high with success at St Andrew’s as Skalak teed up goals for Connor Goldson and Lewis Dunk.

But the Czech international added: “I don’t think I’m playing at my maximum. I hope not! I know I can do more.”