Anthony Knockaert has taken another step towards a part in Albion’s eagerly-awaited season-opener – by playing for the under-23s.

The French winger was unleashed for the first half of a 1-1 friendly draw against Bournemouth’s development squad at Albion’s training complex this afternoon.

That followed a lively outing as substitute against Atletico Madrid on Sunday as first team boss Chris Hughton plots some sort of role for him against Manchester City on Saturday.

Glenn Murray also played the first half of today's match as planned.

Murray had very limited playing time against Girona last week before being sent off and missed the Atletico game due to suspension.

Today’s run-out also gave Czech under-21 right-back Ales Mateju his first chance to shine.

Knockaert, sidelined for much of pre-season by an ankle injury, sent a shot into the side-netting and Murray was involved in the move from which James Tilley gave Albion an early lead.

Matt Butcher levelled for Bournemouth on the hour.