Brighton & Hove Albion's Kazenga LuaLua has expressed his delight after picking up August's Championship Player of the Month award, and believes that it is all down to a hard-working summer.

The Congolese winger picked up the award after starting the league campaign with three goals in five games.

"It was special just to be nominated for the award and to win is a very special moment for me," LuaLua told Brighton's official website.

"In the summer I did not really go on holiday. I went back home to Newcastle to see my family and I kept myself in shape by going to the gym with my friends.

"I did a lot of work in the summer to make sure I came into pre-season in good shape, which has paid off so far, but I just want to keep going."

Brighton's next league match is at home to Hull City on September 12.