Glenn Murray thinks Brighton cannot simply “down tools” once they have secured their Premier League status for next season.

Chris Hughton’s Seagulls are five points clear of the relegation zone but lost 1-0 at home to Southampton on Saturday.

But frontman Murray, from Maryport, says he has not worked out how many points might be needed for top-flight survival and instead wants Brighton to try to finish as high as they possibly can in the Premier League table this term, ahead of this evening trip to Chelsea (7.45pm kick-off).

Asked about a points target, former Carlisle United and Workington Reds man Murray said: “I try not to worry about it too much.

“It’s in our hands with the fixtures we have got at home. Looking back at last season, I did not realise how we were safe when we were – safe after the Arsenal game.

“I don’t think anyone would have felt we would be safe after that game with the points we had then. It’s not about getting to a certain point, it’s about getting as high as we can.”

Premier League prize-money increases by £1.9 million with every finishing position.

“The money doesn’t matter to the players,” 35-year-old Murray said. “That’s a club thing and anything that benefits the club will benefit us in a roundabout way.

“The task first and foremost is to remain in the Premier League. But, after that, it’s not to down tools, it’s to achieve a higher finish.”

Albion are currently having to do without playmaker Pascal Gross who will miss Brighton’s league trip to Stamford Bridge and Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City with a hamstring injury.

Murray said: “To be brutally honest, yes, I think I have missed him.”