Albion’s “smart” fans have been backed to give Moises Caicedo their full support.

The Ecuador midfielder is set to start at home to Bournemouth today after his club rejected huge bIds for his services from Arsenal.

At one stage this time last week, Caicedo appeared to be issuing a combination of transfer request and farewell message via social media.

His agent has since claimed at least some of the responsibility for that message.

Roberto De Zerbi asked fans to back him when he returns to action.

But he later told The Argus he had no concerns on that score.

Asked whether Caicedo had been worried about a backlash from supporters, the Albion boss said: “I don’t know. I think no, because the fans are smart and can understand the situation and can understand what Moises through in his head.

“But in order not to have surprises, I would talk today and I want to put my face for Moises because he’s a good guy.”

De Zerbi, who spoke to Caicedo “like a father” during the transfer window, revealed what his message would now be to the player.

He said: “Be focused only on Brighton. This and to enjoy every training session and every game.

“If you have quality and if you are a good guy, smart guy, the possibility can arrive always this year, this next transfer market session.

“And maybe it can be better.”