Brighton and Hove Albion signing Jose Izquierdo waits in the wings

The £13.5 million Colombian winger made his debut as a late substitute in the draw at Watford before the international break.

Hughton kept faith with Solly March and Anthony Knockaert in Saturday’s 3-1 win against West Brom at the Amex.

Izquierdo, signed from FC Brugge, will be on the bench for the third game running at Bournemouth tomorrow night (8pm).

Hughton said: “He’s very keen. It’s a little bit of an unusual situation when you’ve spent the money that we did on somebody of his ability and quality, but he certainly understands that he came here with not the same (fitness) levels as everybody else.

“He only played two pre-season games, maybe 20-25 minutes in each. But if we’re in a situation where we need to put him in from the off, then there’s no doubt he’s ready now.

“The form of the wide players that we have has been very good. I thought they were both very good on Saturday.

“There’s no doubt that he will get his opportunities. He’s a quality player and we’re very much looking forward to seeing him.”

The versatile Izquierdo’s main role for Brugge was as a left-winger, the role occupied by March against West Brom.

“I thought he (March) was very good,” Hughton told The Argus. “In my time here he has picked up little injuries and the last injury he had was more substantial.

“That has probably hindered his progress a little bit, but there is no doubt he is a player that has got very good ability.

“I think for him it’s probably just settling into playing and being around consistently, whether that’s starting or comiing on.

“He showed last season coming on that he can affect the game from the bench. I think he will be very much an important member of the squad this season.

“It’s probably the circumstances. If Jose had had a full pre-season then probably he would have been in right from the start. I’ve got no doubts he will have a big influence this season, but Solly has done really well.”