Brighton & Hove Albion manager Gustavo Poyet has put his faith in Spanish winger Vicente.

The 30-year-old has missed the Seagulls' last nine Championship fixtures with a thigh injury, leading many to question Vicente's commitment to the club.

However, Poyet has insisted that the former Spain international can have a big impact on his team.

"He's fit," Poyet told The Argus. "For whatever reasons he's just had every day a little bit of pain and aches. He couldn't really be pain free, so he didn't train with us more than once or twice last week.

"We were convinced he would take us to another level but we have lost him for many, many games so far.

"We need to make sure he recovers. I am still confident that he will bring a lot."

Vicente spent 11 years with Valencia before joining Brighton in September.

Written by
Liam Apicella