Brighton & Hove Albion manager Gustavo Poyet has stated his belief that Liam Bridcutt has the ability to play for Real Madrid.

Twenty-three-year-old Bridcutt was awarded man of the match by Sports Mole yesterday afternoon as Brighton knocked Premier League Newcastle United out of the FA Cup with a 2-0 victory.

Reflecting on Bridcutt's performance against the Magpies, Poyet admitted that he is worried about losing the former Chelsea midfielder during the January transfer window.

"Yes I am worried by Liam's performance. Other clubs can ask about him because it's part of the game," said Poyet.

"If I was coach of Real I would take him because he deserves to go to the highest level. As a holding midfielder, there is no better player in the division. So he is quite expensive.

"The best thing about Liam is that he understands me to an incredible level. The way he understands what I want from him is spectacular."

Bridcutt joined the Seagulls from Chelsea in 2010.