Albion boss Chris Hughton has reiterated his admiration for his central midfield partnership.

Beram Kayal and Dale Stephens had the edge on highly regarded Burnley duo Joey Barton and David Jones in Sunday’s deadlock in Lancashire.

Hughton told The Argus: “They were four good players. Beram and Dale every bit matched Joey and Jones. They are two very good players, experienced players.

“Joey showed the quality he has got but I was delighted with our two in there.

“If I look at the two central midfielders I think they are a match for anybody in this division.”

Albion, now undefeated for a club record 18 league games since the end of last season, are closing in on other landmarks.

Continuing the run against Hughton’s old club Birmingham at the Amex on Saturday will move them to within three matches of the 17-game undefeated sequence in all competitions, set in 1987-88, since losing at Walsall in the Capital One Cup in August.

Extending it further to the next away fixture at Derby on December 12 would equal the record unbeaten away league mark of 11 matches established in 2010-11 and 2011-12.

Albion have also now emulated their best-ever start to a season since three points for a win came into force.

They have 35 points from 17 games, the same as the promotion seasons of 2000-2001, 2001-2002 and 2010-11.