Brighton boss Chris Hughton has played down the absence of Anthony Knockaert for victory over Everton.

Knockaert was omitted, with wing rivals Jose Izquierdo injured and Alireza Jahanbakhsh away at the Asian Cup with Iran.

Swedish under-23s attacker Viktor Gyokeres was among the substitutes.

Hughton said Knockaert is "fine for West Ham." He explained: "I have at the moment very good competition for places and probably with the change in formation (to 4-3-3) I am able to be a little bit more tactical than in the past.

"It was solely tactical, yes he is in the squad for West Ham."