/ Andy Naylor, Chief sports reporter
Dale Stephens has thanked Albion fans for their support after his transfer saga.
The midfielder was warmly applauded when he came off the bench against Brentford at the Amex last Saturday.
His return to the starting line-up for Tuesday’s 1-0 home win against Huddersfield was also well received.
There were no boos for Stephens, who handed in a transfer request on the final day of the window as a sixth bid for him by Premier League Burnley was rejected again.
“It’s been amazing,” Stephens said. “I didn’t expect it. I’m really grateful for it but I’m still here, I’m still a Brighton player.”
Stephens made only his second start of the season against Huddersfield, back alongside regular partner Beram Kayal.
“It was a tough game,” he said. “It’s nice to get back on the pitch after coming off the bench at the weekend. It’s nice to get back to normal and back to winning ways.
“I was tiring towards the end but I expected that. Huddersfield move the ball around and we knew it would be hard work but we did the job.
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Boss Chris Hughton will have assistant Colin Calderwood back alongside him against Nigel Clough’s Championship newcomers.
The Scot missed the matches against Brentford and Huddersfield. Calderwood was hospitalised by a kidney-affecting water infection which coincided with a family bereavement.
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