Albion goalscorer Jake Robinson has backed his close friend Dean Cox to follow his lead and learn from being axed.
Cox was left at home for disciplinary reasons as the Seagulls strolled to a 3-0 victory over Swindon at the County Ground on Saturday.
Robinson, dropped from the squad in similar circumstances at Swansea in September, said: "It's unfortunate for him. I am sure he was gutted sitting at home.
"I have become a better person and a better player for that incident and I am sure it will be the same with Dean and he will come back bigger and better than ever."
Robinson, switched to Cox's regular position on the left wing, celebrated by curling in Albion's all-important second goal from outside the penalty area on the stroke of half-time, his first away from home in the league for 14 months.
He said: "Me and Dean are quite similar players so we are always going to be competing for places. I was happy to play there when we found out he wasn't coming.
"I actually quite enjoy playing on the left. It gives me the opportunity to cut in and hit one on my right foot.
"It was a good goal. They all count but it's extra special when they go in the top corner like that.
"It is always a good time to score, just before half-time. I think it killed them off. It's a slight problem we've had this season, not scoring when we have been on top. That was something we wanted to address."
An update on the future of Adam Hinshelwood is expected from the club on Monday following a third knee operation for the unlucky defender.
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