Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler paid tribute to "role model" James Milner, following his record-equalling Premier League appearance during the defeat at Aston Villa.

Milner came off the bench as a first-half substitute for his 653rd appearance in the English top-flight, moving level with former Villa team-mate Gareth Barry.

He has also made the most substitute appearances in the competition, with this his 218th.

The 40-year-old produced a typically solid all-round display, but could not prevent Brighton going down 1-0 after Jack Hinshelwood's late own-goal.

Despite the disappointment, though, Hurzeler hailed the evergreen midfielder's achievement.

"Although we didn't win, it's still a special night," he said. "[Milner's] a role model for the young players, he's a professional, he's unbelievable, disciplined.

"It's no coincidence he's still proving every week, every day, that he's capable of playing in the Premier League.

"It's a pleasure to work with him, and we are grateful to have him in our squad – not only as a player, but also as a character."

Brighton's barren run continued, with the Seagulls 14th in the table and now without a win in six Premier League matches.

Nevertheless, despite their recent struggles, Hurzeler insisted his players must keep plugging away in the hope of transforming their fortunes.

"I'm definitely frustrated, but we showed a good reaction to Sunday [the defeat against Crystal Palace]," he added. 

"I learned a lot about the players in the last days in terms of their character and how they stick together. You could see that in the performance.

"I'm sorry for our fans, who were absolutely amazing, and who supported us for 90 minutes. We deserve to win, but we have to keep going."