Ian Holloway insists Brighton star Anthony Knockaert is a ‘Premier League player in the Championship’

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There are few more exciting players in the second tier than Anthony Knockaert, but how much longer he stays at that level remains to be seen.

Ian Holloway has insisted to Sky Sports that tricky Brighton winger Anthony Knockaert deserves to be playing at a higher level.

The 24-year-old is currently in his second spell in the Championship, having enjoyed three electrifying years at Leicester City despite famously failing from the spot before Troy Deeney raced down other end to thump home the winner in the play-off semi-final defeat to Watford in 2013.

However, Knockaert has not allowed such ignominy to stall his progress, returning to the second-tier in January with Brighton from Standard Liege to re-establishing his reputation as arguably the most exciting attacker in the division.

And Holloway suggests it is only a matter of time before Premier League club’s start sniffing around the thrilling wideman.

What a player,” the former Blackpool boss told Sky Sports. “He’s carried on where he left off last season for Brighton, providing some magic out wide.

“He gets me off my seat every time he gets the ball. Defenders must have nightmares about marking him as he moves the ball quickly.

“It doesn’t surprise me that he’s made 61 successful dribbles already this season – the second most in the league.

“He’s a Premier League player playing in the Championship.”

Knockaert continued his sensational start to the season by scoring his sixth goal of the campaign in Brighton’s 5-0 thrashing of promotion rivals Norwich a fortnight ago, ensuring that nobody has scored more from midfield than the Frenchman in 2016/17.

According to Squawka, Knockaert also leads the way for take ons completed (51) with his old-school dribbling ability providing a constant source of excitement.

The winger turned down a move to Newcastle United in the summer, according to Sky Sports, but, if he maintains his current form, the top tier will surely be blessed with his talents either with a promoted Brighton or the highest bidder.