Gus Poyet happy with Brighton & Hove Albion response

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Gus Poyet has insisted that his players deserve the credit for the club's perfect start to 2013.

Brighton fell to a disappointing 3-1 defeat at the hands of Watford in their final game of 2012, but have won all three of their matches since then, including a 2-1 win over Derby County this afternoon.

The run has also seen them beat Newcastle United in the FA Cup, and Poyet is keen to keep their momentum going.

"To come back with three wins is down to the players and they've been a bit less pretty," said Poyet.

"We took advantage of the situation in our FA Cup game against Newcastle and need to keep going.

"It's up to me to manage the squad well and keep us strong."

The run has seen Brighton rise to eighth in the Championship table, just three points off the playoff places.