Poyet's praise for departing Bennett

Brighton boss has praised Elliott Bennett after a winger completed his move to the Canaries.

Speaking to seagulls.co.uk, Poyet thanked Bennett for his professionalism during negotiations between the two clubs, and for agreeing to stay on the South Coast in January to aid Brighton's promotion hopes.

'He understood how important he was to us and he agreed to stay another six months to help us get out of League One, but now it's impossible for him to turn down because of the offer and the level he is going to play,' he said.

'On behalf of everyone at the club I wish him well in the Premier League.

'I always say the best way is for everyone to get better together and that's the perfect situation, but sometimes a player develops quicker. When that happens it's difficult to keep them because we can't compete with the opportunities and salaries in the Premier League.'

Poyet also offered City fans an insight into just how Bennett could fit into Paul Lambert's plans:

'When I came to the club he was seen as just a right winger, but he's also been very impressive playing behind the strikers, playing the shape we played away from home and also in a disciplined role when we were chasing games.'

Wolves are set to profit from Bennett's move to Norfolk, according to the Express and Star. They are due to receive a 'six-figure' sum thanks to a sell-on clause negotiated when ht joined the Seagulls in August 2009.

The paper also claims that City signed Bennett for £1.5m rising to £2m thanks to various add-ons.

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