Chris Hughton delighted with strength of Brighton squad

"Our thoughts approaching this one was that we didn't need to do any business," said Hughton.

"And any business we would have done would have been because somebody became available that we didn't think (was), or an injury.

"I'm delighted (with Brighton's squad). And I can tell you now, if I felt that we needed to do something, I would have been pushing and I would have made sure that we can't take any chances.

"For us, it's very much making sure we stay in this division.

"I think what we've got, and the level of competition, we are covered in every area.

"We're close to a full squad and a full squad means a competitive squad."

Brighton appeared on course for a significant success in midweek when an early brace from Glenn Murray put them two goals ahead against Claudio Ranieri's struggling side at Craven Cottage.

But the second-bottom Cottagers battled back to win 4-2 and keep the 13th-placed Seagulls looking over their shoulders.

Veteran striker Murray has scored 10 of Albion's 27 top-flight goals this season, with centre-back Shane Duffy, who has found the net four times, the only other player to have contributed more than two.

Ahead of Saturday's home clash with Watford, Hughton called on the rest of his squad to chip in and ease the burden on 35-year-old Murray.

"What we want is a contribution from the team and certainly not only a reliance on a centre forward," said Hughton.

"Certainly we would like that load distributed throughout the team. He's in good form, Glenn, and we've needed that."

While it has been a quiet transfer window at the Amex Stadium, the club had some activity on Thursday concerning their under-23 side.

Iceland Under-21 international Stefan Ljubicic joined non-league club Eastbourne Borough on loan until the end of April, while fellow striker Arron Connolly agreed a new contract which keeps him with the Seagulls until June 2022.

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