Hughton concerned by Brighton's form

Feb 26 (Reuters) - Brighton & Hove Albion's poor Premier League form in recent weeks is a big concern and the team must starting picking up points by any means necessary to remain in the top flight, manager Chris Hughton said on Monday.

Brighton, who were in the top 10 in December, have dropped to 16th in the standings, having managed only one victory in their last 11 games to sit three points above the relegation zone.

"We need to start picking up points in whichever way we can," Hughton told a news conference ahead of Tuesday's trip to managerless Leicester City.

"We've gone from being, about three league games ago, in a good position... seven points clear of the relegation zone, to where we are now on the back of three disappointing results.

"You have to be concerned but that's our job and that's the level of club that we are."

Leicester sacked Claude Puel as manager on Sunday following a 4-1 defeat by Crystal Palace.

"They have a lot of ability in the team and very good individuals. How it will affect the team and the group, the answer is I don't know," Hughton added.

"We have to concentrate on the things we feel can get us a result and we need to start picking up some points."

Defender Leon Balogun will miss out due to a shoulder issue while Hughton will take a late call on Glenn Murray, Lewis Dunk and Jose Izquierdo who have returned from their injuries.