Stoke City's Mark Hughes: 'Brighton manager Chris Hughton deserves more credit'

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has heaped praise on Chris Hughton ahead of the Potters' clash with Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday night.

Brighton have been the surprise package of the new campaign, with 15 points being recorded from 11 games since the Seagulls earned promotion from the Championship in April.

Hughton has recently received recognition for the job he is doing at the Amex Stadium, but Hughes insists that the former Newcastle United and Birmingham City boss does not get enough credit.

The 54-year-old told reporters: "Sometimes familiarity breeds a little bit of contempt and sometimes when you've been around for a long time people don't appreciate what you bring to the table in terms of experience and knowledge and understanding what's required at this level.

"Chris is one of those that has had a great career, he's had success, promotions and been at good clubs and predominantly been a success at those clubs so I don't think anybody should underestimate what he's been able to do as a manager, and credit to him."

Stoke can move level on points with Brighton in the Premier League table if they can emerge victorious on the south coast.