Stephen Dobbie’s departure from Albion, five months after signing from Swansea City, has been defended by manager Gus Poyet.

The Uruguayan says a combination of reasons were responsible for Dobbie’s move not working out and his deadline day exit to the Seagulls’ bitter rivals Crystal Palace.

Poyet has likened the situation to Steven Pienaar’s unsuccessful switch from Everton to Tottenham.

Dobbie, signed in the final moments of the August transfer window, left for Palace on loan with a view to the move becoming permanent in July in the dying stages of the January window.

Poyet said: “The moment it was a possibility to get him I was convinced he was the perfect player for us, to play between the lines, arrive late, get goals, play in different positions in a front three or even behind the striker.

“I don’t think there is one reason, one person responsible. I think it didn’t click, that’s all. I am more than happy to take the blame but it’s a mix of things, the way we play, the player, the results, the team.

“The best way to explain it is a similar situation to Steven Pienaar. He was a very good player who was making the difference at Everton.

“Spurs thought he was the perfect player for them and for some reason that no-one knows it doesn’t work.

“He goes back to Everton and he is the same fantastic player that everyone knew.”

Dobbie’s recent relegation from the first team squad coincided with the return from long-term injury of Vicente but Poyet said: “There are plenty of things that have changed, not only Vicente. Last weekend Hosko (Will Hoskins) was out of the squad as well and in previous games he was maybe one step ahead of Dobbs.”

Albion and Palace negotiated an initial loan solution to Dobbie’s complicated move to Selhurst Park to comply with FIFA regulations regarding the number of clubs a player can play for on a permanent basis in one season.