Solly March has urged Albion’s wide men to “step up” and plug the gap left by the injured Anthony Knockaert.

French star Knockaert faces a race to be ready for the start of the Premier League season after damaging ankle ligaments in the first pre-season friendly win against Fortuna Dusseldorf in Austria ten days ago.

March took over his right-wing role and opened the floodgates after four minutes in the Seagulls’ 6-0 rout of League two Crawley Town.

Jamie Murphy added his second goal in as many matches and Jiri Skalak came on in the second half to set up the fifth for Connor Goldson.

March told The Argus: “There’s three wingers at the moment. He (Knockaert) played really well last season and was one of our best players.

“We are going to need somebody to step up. Hopefully one of us can do that.”

March, on target seven times in 75 Championship appearances for Albion, is keen to add more goals to his game.

“I get chances and get into the right positions,” he said. “It’s just taking them and being more clinical.

“I think I can get a lot more goals if I start to do that. People have said the Premier League will suit me.

“I like to think so. I am confident I can do well and affect games as much as I have in the Championship. Time will tell.”

Albion’s next friendly is at League One Southend United tomorrow night.

Manager Chris Hughton said: “It’s a tough challenge. We’ve been there before. They pushed very hard last season and just missed out (on promotion). I know Phil (Brown) well and all of his sides are very well organised, so I expect a really tough encounter.”