ALBION boss Chris Hughton has shrugged off fears that an injury could spark a striker crisis.

Hughton has earmarked Jamie Murphy or Solly March for a No.10 role if anything happens to Glenn Murray, Sam Baldock or Tomer Hemed.

The Seagulls remain committed to adding to their strike force during the January transfer window.

Hughton believes any business they do is more likely to be concluded in the final few days.

They continue, in the meantime, with three recognised strikers following Elvis Manu’s loan return to Holland with Go Ahead Eagles.

Hughton told The Argus: “The one area we are one down on, with Elvis Manu going, is a striker.

“We have good options with Jamie Murphy that has played there, Solly March that has played there. Certainly it’s an area where we can cope if we happen to lose one.”

Albion will leapfrog back above Newcastle at the top of the Championship table if they beat sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday at the Amex tonight to stretch their run of successive home wins to five in all competitions.

Newcastle are unhappy about their rearranged February 28 visit to the Amex (7.45), as they now have three away games in a week and the new date will have to be revised if either club is involved in an FA Cup fifth round replay.

Hughton said: “It’s the league that make these decisions. We put two dates to them, the first two available. That’s what we wanted to do, as we have done with the Cardiff game. If there are games you are behind on, you want to play them as soon as possible.”

The Cardiff game, postponed at Christmas due to fog, is now being played on Tuesday. Albion were originally due to host Newcastle a week tomorrow, when they go to Lincoln in the fourth round of the FA Cup and Toon visit Oxford United.