Sidelined ALL season, Georginio Rutter was asked about his shock first start — his answer stunned everyone, then he went out and scored a brace

Brighton centre-forward Georginio Rutter says his team-mates are “feeling pretty confident” after racking up a five-game unbeaten streak, but also “staying very humble” in the build-up to their first Conference League fixture of the season.

Fabian Hurzeler’s side, who are in the midst of a run of six games in 17 days, host Lithuanian top-flight side Kauno Zalgiris at Amex Stadium on Thursday (kick-off 20:00 BST).

When asked about the mood in camp, Rutter replied: “When you win like this, it is always good for the team spirit.

“You do also have to be careful, though, because sometimes you can get carried away and start losing your focus when you’re on a winning run like this, so we have to stay focused and conscientious.

“I play football to win trophies and we have the opportunity to do that this season, so why wouldn’t we try? We’re going to give everything we have, but it is important that we take it game by game.

“We need to keep being consistent like we are now. If we stay very humble but pretty confident at the same time, we can do something very good.”

On head coach Fabian Hurzeler asking for a “tough and dirty” atmosphere against Kauno Zalgiris, who have never played against English opposition, Rutter replied: “I’ve been waiting for a European game for a long time since I arrived here so I hope it’s going to be a very good atmosphere.

“We need the fans behind us. We have given them a lot this year but they have given us a lot back too, so hopefully the big spirit will match on both sides.

“It will be a bit like a cup game. We will have to be careful about their strengths while also knowing our own strengths.”