Brighton & Hove Albion aim to outplay Stoke - Elphick

Elphick has made 20 appearances for Brighton this season

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Tommy Elphick says they will not alter their playing style when they face Stoke City in the FA Cup fifth round.

Premier League Stoke are know for their direct style while Seagulls boss Gus Poyet prefers to focus on possession.

Elphick told BBC Sussex: "We're not going to change our game-plan. We'll block everything out and play our game.

"We're going to try and pass a Premier League team off the pitch like we do against a League One team."

The 23-year-old centre-back added: "There's enough lads now in the dressing room who have played in these games and have enough experience to go there and not be fazed.

"If we can keep the ball they won't get many throw-ins or chances to put the ball in our box. That's going to be the aim."

We want to show the country and the media that we are a force to be reckoned with

Tommy Elphick

Elphick scored at Villa Park as Brighton were knocked out by Aston Villa at the fourth-round stage last season, but he believes they are capable of causing an upset this time around and making the last eight of the competition for the first time in 25 years.

"We've played against two decent Championship sides [Portsmouth and Watford] and made them look average at times," he continued.

"You feel the form we are in at the moment that we are going there with a bigger chance of beating Stoke than the chance we had of beating Villa last year.

"Before the game everyone dreams of getting a goal like that. Hopefully if I can get an opportunity again it will mean a bit more in terms of a result.

"We want to show the country and the media that we are a force to be reckoned with."

Due to Crawley Town's Cup run it is also the first time two Sussex sides have reached the fifth round stage, and Elphick is pleased for the Blue Square Bet Premier side.

"It's brilliant for the county really," he said. "Not only their FA Cup run but also how well they're doing in their league.

"To have two Football League sides in Sussex would be a major boost.

"I'm sure they'll get a good following at Old Trafford. Good luck to them."