Roberto De Zerbi saw Joao Pedro power Albion into the FA Cup fourth round, then said he can do even more.

The Brazil international scored twice in the second half to secure a 4-2 win at Stoke City.

De Zerbi said: “He is improving. I would like him to start the game at the beginning, not in the second half or after 20 minutes.

“I am going to tell him my opinion.

“But I am working for him. Not for myself.

“To play in Brighton, his performance is enough.

“To play at a higher level I think he can start the game at the beginning and he has to play 90 minutes, not 70 minutes.”

De Zerbi was delighted to see his side come through what he described as an “animated” tie in the Potteries.

He said: “I asked my players to play like a Europa League game, like a Premier League game.”