Jiri Skalak is getting his teeth into the Championship season – touch wood.

But he does not necessarily feel his goal-providing contribution against Barnsley was his best display so far in the current campaign.

Skalak turned the clock back to late last season with his perfect free-kick which set up Glenn Murray’s second goal.

That followed a key contribution at Burton, where he was fouled for the decisive late penalty converted by Tomer Hemed.

The Czech international said he had to adapt his pre-season training just a bit after a busy summer with his national team.

But he is feeling fit and well and looking forward to Albion scoring a few more goals.

As a provider of assists, Skalak is dependent on those finishing the chances to get him into the stats column.

Just as Murray and Hemed look to Skalak, Anthony Knockaert and others to provide the chances.

It all worked pretty well against the Tykes although Albion should have scored more goals.

“Maybe it was my best performance of the season,” Skalak told The Argus.

“But, in one of the 3-0 wins (versus Nottingham Forest) I played pretty good and had some possible assists – but Tomer didn’t score!

“I felt the same (on Saturday). The last game, playing 90 minutes and winning the penalty was also good.”

Asked if his summer preparing for what was a limited role at Euro 2016 had been a drain on his energy levels for the new club season, he said: “I think I felt fine but maybe if I had more rest that would be good.

“But I feel my body is fine. I trained easy to start with. But I had no injury. I’ve had difficult seasons with injury but not this time.”

Which is when he touched his teeth. Like touching wood. “For good luck,” he explained.

The Argus:

Skalak had a shot unwittingly blocked by Glenn Murray 

Albion have won four of five at home, keeping clean sheets in all those wins.

But Skalak would love to see more of an end product in attack.

He said: “In the last three games we scored one goal or two but before we were getting three. I believe we have form now. Now we have two difficult away games but I know we have quality.”

Skalak is giving interviews in English now and was in as jovial mood as his limited but much improving grasp of the language allowed as he spoke to the media.

Talking about his pleasure with his performance, he said with a laugh: “I was unlucky. I shot one time and Glenn blocked my shot. Otherwise I would have scored!

“But I’m happy with my first assist and hopefully I’ll have more.”

He added jokingly: “Glenn always shoots, never gives me one ball. But I must expect that. He’s a good striker. And I hope Tomer scores more goals.”

Skalak praised Knockaert’s performances, saying: “I feel now he is the best player at Brighton.”

Both Knockaert and Jamie Murphy have been used behind a lone specialist striker in recent games. Steve Sidwell has also been used in that role.

Perhaps the surprise is that Skalak has not appeared more centrally given that many consider him more of a No.10 than a wideman.

The flipside is how important crosses can be in the English game.

But the more central option is still there.

He said: “Sometimes I play No.10, it’s not a problem. But it’s the gaffer’s choice and the important thing for me is I play. I’d play No.10, left, right, it’s not important.”