Brighton & Hove Albion manager Oscar Garcia has revealed that midfielder Liam Bridcutt was dropped from the squad against Derby County because of the speculation surrounding his future at the club.

Bridcutt has been strongly linked with a move to link up with former Seagulls manager Gus Poyet at Sunderland and recently handed in a transfer request at the South Coast club, although this was rejected.

Garcia said that after taking advice from his assistant Nathan Jones, he felt that Bridcutt would not be completely focused on the game, which Brighton lost 1-0.

"He was available for selection but he spoke with Nathan and he said that maybe he would not be focused on the game 100%," Garcia told The Argus.

"A lot of things are happening around him and he was honest and for this he didn't play. I trust all the players. I know how they are.

"I know most of them want to play for the team, for me, for the staff. For this I am very proud of the players and how they played today."

Bridcutt joined the Seagulls from Chelsea in 2010.