Painter buoyed by return

Albion left-back Marcos Painter says he felt the nerves ahead of his first appearance of the season during Saturday's triumph at Huddersfield.

Painter was thrust into the starting XI as a deputy for first team regular and outstanding performer Wayne Bridge - as the 25-year-old Brummy made only his fourth appearance for the club this calender year, his last coming in April.

But the ex-Swansea man slotted in well, producing a solid display for 75 minutes, and helping the Seagulls to an impressive victory over their Yorkshire counterparts, before making way for substitute Inigo Calderon.

He told BBC Sussex, "I've got to admit I was nervous because it has been a long time since I started a game. It was different emotions to what I'm used to. I loved it. It was weird because it was like my debut again."

Painter accepts that he is likely to drop back to role of understudy once Bridge is back from injury, but hopes that the unfamiliar situation will help to spur him on when the chances do arise.

He continued, "Maybe it's had a good effect on me, not being the number one and having to up my game. The manager [Gus Poyet] said to me at the start of the season that Wayne would play but I had to be there to step in.

"He's been honest and said 'If you deserve to play, you'll play'.

"Wayne will play if he is fit and I accept that. It's still not a nice feeling but let's be realistic; he has Premier League and international quality.

"I was aware Wayne came off last Saturday. I thought he wouldn't come off for the sake of it so I thought my opportunity could come."

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