Gus Poyet today backed hitman Glenn Murray to get back among the goals as Albion chase festive success.

The Seagulls host old foes Leyton Orient on Boxing Day (1pm) before visiting Wycombe on Monday.

Murray scored twice in the first quarter of Poyet’s opening match in charge at Southampton but has not hit the target since.

The Christmas six-pointers are a perfect time to change that and Poyet said: “He has got my full confidence.

“The same happened with Nicky Forster. He had ten goals before I came, then only had a penalty before he scored at Swindon last week.

“The only way to help a striker, and I’m talking about all our strikers, is to give them plenty of chances to score.

“I’m looking forward to all of them getting goalscoring opportunities and taking them.”

Albion must do without Gary Dicker against the O’s as he serves a one-game ban for picking up five bookings. It will be the first league match he has missed since finding himself out of favour with Russell Slade in the opening weeks of the season.

Poyet has hinted at a surprise selection to cover for the Irishman.

Options include starts for Liam Dickinson or Dean Cox or a switch to midfield for Jimmy McNulty.

Preparations resume this morning after the players were given an unscheduled day off yesterday.

Poyet said: “We are fine, no injuries, and ready to go.”