Midfielder sets points target for Brighton & Hove Albion

Albion finished 15th and on 40 points last year and currently have 27 points from 26 matches this season.

They sit three points clear of the relegation zone after failing to win any of their six league games this year and Stephens insists 40 points has always been the number one target.

He said: “It always has been. The quicker we get to that, the goal posts might move but initially and still the target is 40 points.

“We don’t feel like we’re a million miles away but at the end of the day it’s all about points.

“If you look at the performances individually, especially the Watford game here, I think we should have won that game.

“Parts of other games as well, I think we could have been 3-0 up at home to Burnley before they scored their first goal.”

Albion reached the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday with a 2-1 win at home to Derby County and will now travel to Millwall in the last eight next month.

With only Manchester City and Manchester United of the Premier League top six still in the competition, Stephens feels there’s an opening for one of the smaller top-flight clubs.

He said: “We know a lot of teams have gone out and it’s a good opportunity for the smaller clubs in the Premier League perhaps.

“We’re one of those that fit that criteria but the league is our bread and butter. That comes first.”

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