Albion boss Chris Hughton believes his players have the bottle to complete their bid for automatic promotion.

He has seen no signs of them burdened by pressure as they prepare for the two games which will decide their fate.

The matches at home to Derby on Monday and at promotion rivals Middlesbrough next Saturday will determine whether the Seagulls go straight up to the Premier League or join Derby in the Championship play-offs.

Hughton said: “I haven’t felt there is a pressure on the players. That might be because of how we’ve done it this season.

“Probably there has been more expectation on some of the other teams.

“I certainly haven’t felt it in the players. It’s almost been normal weeks for us and normal weeks in the Championship can be two games in a week, all tough games. We’ve got a good blend in the squad and they’ve handled it very well.”

Albion have scored 16 goals in five straight victories to keep the heat on Boro and Burnley.

“Our form has been good and we’ve scored more goals of late than perhaps even we expected,” Hughton said.

“But ultimately it’s just about, in which ever way, trying to win a game.

“If you were to say to me now we’d win it (Derby), I wouldn’t mind how we won it.”

Albion have no injury issues apart from long-term victims Bobby Zamora, Uwe Huenemeier and Solly March.