‘Character.’

That was the word that came to mind for Brighton manager Chris Hughton after he saw his side come from two goals down to reach the semi-final of the FA Cup.

Alex Pearce and Aiden O’Brien strikes were cancelled out by Jurgen Locadia and a fortunate Solly March effort deep in injury time before the visitors went on to win the shoot-out.

Going into the international break Hughton praised his men for the belief they showed in making it to Wembley.

“One word comes to mind, character,” he said.

“At 2-0 you’re out the competition, but to get two back shows character.

“Missing the first penalty and then scoring shows more character again.”

READ: Harris won't blame keeper for costly late error

Praise for Lions

The Brighton boss paid his respect to the Lions who up until keeper David Martin’s error deep in injury time sent the game to extra time.

The goalkeeper was having a fine game up until he miss-judged Solly March’s free-kick which seemed to knock the wind out of The Den’s sails.

“Credit to Millwall, they limited us to few chances with how they set up.

“It was that type of game, and about the team who broke the deadlock.

“This a is a club with a great record in cup competitions.

“It’s a difficult place to come and I don’t think we played at a level to be a big enough threat.

“We could not have done anymore this week on the training pitch, to know what the threat was.

“If we scored early, maybe it opens up, but until we got that goal they were always in a position to not change the way they played.”

READ: Player ratings from Millwall's heartbreaking cup exit

We all wanted to avoid Man City

Waiting for Brighton at Wembley in the semi-final is Manchester City, but Hughton admitted he won’t be thinking about that just yet as he let’s the achievement of reaching the last four sink in.

“From where this club has come in the last 3 years have been great, but a lot of people have been through difficult times.

“It’s very difficult to get to this stage and it’s not going to come around too often.

“We can upset the odds but at the moment we are delighted and chuffed to get through.

“The three of us would’ve wanted to avoid Man City but as shown today and yesterday, teams can get close and cause upsets.

“If we have everything going for us, they have an off day, who knows what can happen?”