Albion's FA Cup matchwinner Andrew Crofts has tipped Solly March to become a top player.

Crofts slotted the only goal in the third round victory over Reading at The Amex but 19-year-old March was named man-of-the-match on his full debut.

Midfielder Crofts, who played in the Premier League for Norwich, believes the versatile right-winger signed from Lewes has the talent and temperament to go a lot further.

He said of March: “I wasn’t surprised by the way he played, because he is more than capable of doing that.

“I see him day in and day out and I know what ability he’s got. We saw him in pre-season against Norwich when he came on and scored.

“He is capable of that and on another day he’d have got a couple of goals. His performance was superb and he’s got a really bright future.

“He’s a quiet lad, a humble lad. He’s got his feet on the ground and I’ve got real hopes for him. I think he can have a really good career if he keeps working hard.

“We’ve got some really top wingers but he’s shown people what he is all about and has a great future ahead of him.

“I don’t have to say about him keeping his feet on the ground, because he’s not that type of lad at all. He goes past people with ease and he works hard when he doesn’t have the ball as well, so they are really good signs.”

Albion’s safe passage means their home game against Leeds in the Championship, scheduled for January 25, will have to be rearranged.