Brighton v Watford: The key points from Chris Hughton's pre-match press conference

Here are the key points from his pre-match press conference.

Transfer deadline day

"It's very quiet.

"They're not always the nice ones but they're nice ones when you want them to be that way.

"At this moment our thoughts approaching this one was we didn't need to do any business and any business we would have done was maybe because circumstances - somebody becoming available we didn't think or an injury or so but it's a very quiet one."

You've been linked with young Romanian midfielder Tudor Baluta. Can you tell us anything about that?

"Certainly until anything is confirmed, then it is always correct not to speak about anything.

"In this window, we didn't think we would do anything at senior first-team level but we have an academy which is growing and the prospect of bringing in some young players into the 23 group or young players we can develop has always been a thought of ours.

"Until anything has been confirmed, we can't speak about it."

Also been linked with Jan Mlakar, a Slovenian striker, would he be one for the future?

"At this moment, that would be speculation.

"That has been the bulk of our work coming into this January. As a club we are trying to develop players through the system but to also develop young players we can bring into the system."

Reflections on Fulham defeat

"It was a huge disappointment. Some aspects of our game were very good, the fact we played away ftom home, scored two goals and probably had another four, five, very good chances.

"As regards our offensive play, there was nothing wrong with that. We're massively disappointed with the goals we conceded, particularly being 2-0 up.

"It probably wasn't our type of performance at Fulham but that can happen.

"At the time, you don't want to give Fulham so much credit but they changed system, made good use of it and gave us problems which we found very difficult to deal with.

"Credit has to go to Fulham but we've got to use that to our advantage going into what is a very tough home game."

26 points, three more than this time last season. Does that show progress?

"We have made progress and we have been closer in games.

"We've also changed the system a little bit. We were relatively rigid last year to the system that we played.

"We have a more competitive squad at the moment, with one back from international duty and one back from injury that gives us more options.

"From that aspect we have to be happy but we are also very conscious of a group of teams below us in the league who are very capable of winning games and have showed that."

Watford test

"They are a very good side. I saw them play at Tottenham last night and I thought they were very good.

"The areas where they came under pressure are the areas where everyone comes under pressure against a Tottenham team at Wembley because of the quality they have got.

"They were always in the game, always a threat and probably they would be disappointed conceding the goals, certainly the winning goal at the time they did.

"Their overall performance was good away from home. They have good individuals and their league position says that."

Troy Deeney threat

"Deeney is playing really well at the moment. He looks in wonderful shape, is putting himself about and is a classic English number nine with the qualities he has got.

"He brings others into the game and has a real desire to get into the box as well.

"He's going through a really good period of his career, so that's a threat but we can't talk about just one player as they have a lot of good players in the team, hence their league position, the form they're in and the games they've won."

Brighton team news

"Jahanbakhsh is now back from international duty and will train tomorrow.

"Bernardo trained today and the decision we will make on him is if it is too soon for him to be included in the squad for Saturday. It's good to have them back.

"At this moment, Izquierdo is the only injury we have."

How happy with the squad you've got heading into rest of the season?

"I'm delighted. I can tell you that if I felt we needed to do something I would have been pushing and made sure that we can't take any chances.

"For us, it's very much making sure we stay in this division and come the end of today, there are no more possibilities for us to bring anybody in.

"I'd have been pushing very hard if I felt we needed. But what we've got and the level of competition, I think we're covered in every area.

"We've been fortunate on the injury front and the internationals who have been away are back now.

"We're close to a full squad and a full squad means a competitive squad. With Suttner and Schelotto going out on loan, which were right decisions for both parties, it allows some of our under-23s to train with us more regularly or occasionally.

"We've seen that more with Max and Viktor but we've got an under-23 squad who have acquitted themselves very well.

"If it leaves them openings, it's good for their development and good for the club."

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