Shane Duffy admits he deserved to be dropped for Brighton's loss to Manchester City.
Albion boss Graham Potter has Duffy, Dan Burn, Adam Webster and Leon Balogun competing for a place alongside skipper Lewis Dunk.
Duffy said: "Webby is a good player and Dan has been brilliant so I understood it.
"I probably didn't perform to where their levels are this year so it's one of them a kick up the a and get back at it.
"It's not about me, it's about this team and this club and I got behind the lads.
"I felt I am good enough to get back in the team so keep pushing and the manager has been good with me."
