Albion boss Chris Hughton has tipped Solly March to grow into a better player.

March rewarded the manager’s faith in him to deputise for the injured Kazenga LuaLua and suspended Jamie Murphy on the left-wing against Cardiff.

The England under-21 international, signed by the Seagulls from Lewes, pushed Dale Stephens for the man-of-the-match award after a slow start.

Hughton told The Argus: “I’m really pleased for him.

“He has been a little bit up and down this season but he showed some really good flashes. From 20 minutes onwards he was very good.

“Young players can be high or low and in and out of the team. I think that’s how he has been.

“He has not been an absolute consistent member of the team.

“He’s had good spells and he’s still adapting.

“He is still physically getting stronger.

“I knew about him before I came here but I know his background was a little bit different. Look at the levels.

“I think he will just get better with experience and as he gets stronger.”