Albion*boss Sami Hyypia has hailed the cajoling impact of Elliott Bennett on his return to the club.
The winger on loan from Norwich helped the Seagulls to a 1-0 win against Wigan at the Amex last night, their first for 12 games in the Championship, in his first game back.
Bennett played a part in Gary Gardner’s matchwinner inside the opening minute and was given a warm ovation when he was substituted in the closing stages.
Hyypia told The Argus: “I think he can only help us, because even in a few days he has grown into the team already and he is a great character.
“He’s had a bit of banter with the lads already and he showed he can play. In the situations he was involved in he was very calm and normally the ball found its way to one of our players. When you have these kind of players on your side they can help.
“I saw situations where he rallied the troops during the game and that’s great. He showed a great attitude and I can see that he loves football.”
Hyypia was also pleased with the clean sheet for 18-year-old Christian Walton, named man-of-the-match by the sponsors on his home and league debut.
The Finn said: “Collectively going forward we weren’t maybe at our best but I’m very happy with the determination to defend our goal and keeping a clean sheet.
“Christian Walton played his second game and I’m very happy with that.”
The significance of the result was emphasised by home wins also for fellow strugglers Birmingham and Bolton against Watford and Cardiff respectively.
The Seagulls would have dropped into the bottom three without following suit. Instead they are up a place to 20th, behind Wigan only on goal difference, with a chance to climb further away from trouble against eighth-placed Blackburn at the Amex on Saturday.
Original article
The winger on loan from Norwich helped the Seagulls to a 1-0 win against Wigan at the Amex last night, their first for 12 games in the Championship, in his first game back.
Bennett played a part in Gary Gardner’s matchwinner inside the opening minute and was given a warm ovation when he was substituted in the closing stages.
Hyypia told The Argus: “I think he can only help us, because even in a few days he has grown into the team already and he is a great character.
“He’s had a bit of banter with the lads already and he showed he can play. In the situations he was involved in he was very calm and normally the ball found its way to one of our players. When you have these kind of players on your side they can help.
“I saw situations where he rallied the troops during the game and that’s great. He showed a great attitude and I can see that he loves football.”
Hyypia was also pleased with the clean sheet for 18-year-old Christian Walton, named man-of-the-match by the sponsors on his home and league debut.
The Finn said: “Collectively going forward we weren’t maybe at our best but I’m very happy with the determination to defend our goal and keeping a clean sheet.
“Christian Walton played his second game and I’m very happy with that.”
The significance of the result was emphasised by home wins also for fellow strugglers Birmingham and Bolton against Watford and Cardiff respectively.
The Seagulls would have dropped into the bottom three without following suit. Instead they are up a place to 20th, behind Wigan only on goal difference, with a chance to climb further away from trouble against eighth-placed Blackburn at the Amex on Saturday.
- Hyypia hails returning Bennett
- Halford has been signed to solve centre-back shortage
- Who was your Albion man of the match against Wigan?
- We've played better, admits Hyypia, but it's all about the result
- It's nervy - but Albion grab crucial win
Original article