Joao Pedro has revealed that, contrary to popular opinion, he is NOT quite perfect on penalties.

But the Albion forward will happily step on the hot spot in cauldron at the OPAP Arena if required.

The former Watford man’s form in the Europa League is part of the reason he recently earned his first call for the senior Brazil squad recently.

He got a debut too, in the World Cup qualifier in Colombia.

It was not a happy camp for Brazil as they lost twice, including at home for the first time in a World Cup qualifier.

But it was still memorable for Joao Pedro – and something he would love to repeat.

Four goals in the Europa League will have helped get him noticed.

The chances to enhance that tally will be increased if he helps the Seagulls through to the knockout stages.

They could secure that tonight with the sort of result his spot kick conversion, to follow a classic No.9’s header, clinched at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Roberto De Zerbi believes there is a lot more to come – and that he is seeing that progress already.

Speaking at the OPAP Stadium, home of AEK, De Zerbi said: “I think Joao is a potential crack (star).

“He has to improve. He knows very well what I want but he is improving.

“In the last period he is improving. If he plays like at Nottingham, like at Marseille in the second half, like in Amsterdam, I think he can reach a different level in his career.

“I am working for him. If he follows me when I try to explain his improvement, I think he can reach a big level.”

Joao Pedro was ice cool at Stade Velodrome to secure the point which kick-started this European campaign for the Seagulls.

Or maybe it was his breakthrough in open play at home to Ajax which really lit the fire.

All that after he forced and converted two spot kicks in the opening defeat by AEK.

His unique style has won him a lot of fans since his summer switch and, certainly until he went on as sub at Forest, his best stuff has arguably come in Europe.

He said: “I think everyone knows when you change team it is difficult in the first season.

“How the players, the staff and everyone at Brighton helped me. I think this has helped a lot to do what I can on the pitch.

“To play for Brazil was my dream.

“I have been there in the last international break and it was very good.

“I think I enjoyed it a lot so now I have to continue doing my job and to be there more times.”

Joao Pedro has so far been flawless from the spot for the Seagulls.

Asked about that record, he said with a smile: “I missed one in Brazil!

“But here I am very happy to take the penalties.

“The coach gives me confidence to take them and I am confident to take them.

“I am very happy to score.”