CHRIS HUGHTON has hailed Davy Propper’s growing Albion influence – after a “tough” start.

The former PSV midfielder is preparing for international action following his two-goal showing for the Netherlands last time out.

Hughton resisted any temptation to play him in the No.10 role from which he collected his brace against Bulgaria.

He has been rewarded both by Propper’s improved showings and Pascal Gross’s productivity ahead of him.

Hughton brought in Propper in the final days of pre-season and believes that was a factor in his slow start.

But he believes fans have seen the real Propper of late.

The Albion boss told The Argus: “Davy has made a big impact.

“He had a tough introduction. He wasn’t a player we bought early, so we didn’t have him for pre-season games, and his first game was against Manchester City when you know you are going to be very much up against it.

“From that game he’s developed really well as a player that can play in two or three positions in central midfield.”

Propper had a role slightly further forward as Hughton changed shape at Arsenal.

He could repeat that as the Dutch play in Belarus on Saturday. They then host Sweden on Tuesday.

Mathew Ryan is the first senior Seagull into the international fray as Australia face Syria in Malaysia tomorrow morning, our time.