Former Brighton midfielder Gareth Barry is full of praise for manager Graham Potter.

Barry was speaking ahead of Saturday's home game against Aston Villa, for whom Barry made more than 400 appearances after leaving Albion in 1997. He went on to play a record 653 games in the Premier League.

He told the club's website: "Brighton were going through a tough spot earlier on this season, but even when the pressure was on they stuck to their guns.

“Graham Potter deserves a lot of praise for that. When you stick to the style no matter what, the players feel at ease. They believe in what they are doing and the results have come good.

“It's very difficult to stop the rot because confidence and momentum are both key ingredients to success. When you're not winning, you start doubting yourself and the team's style.

“It's the hardest time to play, that's why the manager plays that integral role in keeping the focus in the squad, that belief that eventually results will turn and it only takes on result. Brighton have had a couple of huge results that will instil massive confidence.

“To beat the Premier League champions and to keep a clean sheet against that strike force Liverpool have, you can only imagine what that does for the dressing room. You could see the team spirit, it was great to see."