Carlos Baleba is preparing for a busy Albion month - after missing out on international action.

The midfielder believes the Seagulls who have not travelled with their countries can put the current fortnight to good use.

Baleba has been kept out of the Cameroon squad due to a knee issue which limited his involvement in Albion’s two recent big tests.

He remained on the bench at Liverpool and went on at half-time to change the game as Manchester City were beaten.

Head coach Fabian Huerzeler said it was important to continue his recovery during the current fortnight.

Baleba is missing two AFCON qualifiers but Cameroon have already clinched their place at the finals.

The Albion star said: “We are going in the right direction with this start to the season.

“We are going to rest during the break, to come back even stronger for the matches in December.”

Baleba took man-of-the-match honours against City and believes Albion showed important qualities to turn the game around.

He added: “I am so happy to get this trophy. It is my first and I hope to get more.

“The first half was not easy but we were still able to create chances.

“It wasn’t bad, we had to continue.

“We lifted our heads. We had done some good things but we needed to step up the level.

“In the second half, when I went on I tried, with my team-mates, to keep the ball more, to be patient, to wait for spaces, to create imbalances and get in front of goal.

“We were patient with our game, we got in behind and that led to chances so we could end the match at 2-1.”