Leon Knight today revealed the part played by his idol Eric Cantona in finishing his goal famine for Albion.

Knight developed his penalty technique after reading the enigmatic former Manchester United and French star's autobiography.

Pausing in his run-up paid off again with Saturday's 79th-minute winner from the spot at Gillingham.

Knight's first goal since the penalty which won the play-off final against Bristol City at Cardiff in May lifted the Seagulls above the Gills into 19th place in the Coca-Cola Championship ahead of Wednesday's visit to Nottingham Forest.

Knight, recalled to the starting line-up by manager Mark McGhee, said: "I play a little psychological game with the the goalkeeper and just focus on hitting the ball cleanly and straight into the corner.

"It's a style that has worked for me. I did it for the whole of last season and I'll keep on doing it, even if I miss one.

"I developed it from reading Eric Cantona's book. He was a big hero of mine, a No. 7 as well, and he did the same thing. He sent the goalkeeper the wrong way all the time.

"Once you take that little stutter then the keeper is really helpless. But I'm not as good as him, so I won't start wearing my collar up!"

Rightback Adam El-Abd, stretchered off in the second half, is expected to be out for five to six weeks with ankle ligament damage.