At some point, probably sooner rather than later, Jose Izquierdo will be in Albion's Premier League starting line-up.

They have not splashed out a club record £13.5 million on an habitual bench-warmer.

So who gives way for the fleet-footed Colombian? Solly March is doing everything within his power not to be the fall guy.

March has made an eyecatching start in the Premier League. In the first three matches he was Albion's best attacker, in the last two he has demonstrated there is more to him than gliding past defenders.

The Argus: In the last home game, West Brom turned in desperation to Oliver Burke, their version of Usain Bolt. March (above) spent the final half-hour as an effective extra left-back in support of Markus Suttner.

"It wasn't fun, but it's got to be done, obviously, the way the gaffer plays and when you are two or 3-0 up and under the cosh in the last few minutes," he said.

"It's part of the game you have to do nowadays, not enjoyable but something you have to do.

"You can hear him (Chris Hughton) on the sidelines shouting sometimes. It definitely makes you track back when he is shouting your name!

"when you are chasing back and working hard and stopping balls going into the box it is satisfying in a way."

At Bournemouth last time out, March was where he would prefer to be, in the opposition penalty area, carving another niche in club history.

Not this time with his dancing feet but, most unusually, with his head as he nodded in Pascal Gross's cross to give Albion a second half lead which they eventually surrendered.

The Argus: March (above) admitted: "I honestly can't remember one (headed goal) I've scored ever, although I've scored a few in training this year actually.

"If you're in there, anything can drop to you - a rebound or a deflection - so you've got to get yourself in there to score goals."

Two of March's eight in the league across 80 appearances, exactly half of which have been as a substitute, have assured his place in Albion folklore.

He has now scored the first away goal in the top flight for 34 years, to add to the promotion-clinching strike from close range against Wigan at the Amex in April.

History does not provide security. To keep his place, March, 23, knows he will have to keep on performing, starting with Newcastle's visit tomorrow.

He was meant to have a trial with them as a teenager with Lewes but passed out on the journey up to the north-east.

Albion made their move and he has risen six rungs in six years, making his mark for country as well as club with a spectacular strike for England under-21s against Denmark after 11 months out with knee ligament damage.

March said: "What's happened was probably for the best - staying local and playing with Brighton definitely gave me more of a chance of making it. It was the right thing do - it's worked out well so far and hopefully it stays that way."

March was still injured when Albion lost at Newcastle last season and only came on in the closing stages when they were beaten again at the Amex in February.

"It's a big game and we need something from it," he said. "I'm excited to get out there Sunday and hopefully create some good moments and win the game.

"Apart from the top six, seven or eight teams we can definitely pick up points from the rest and that's what we need to do to stay up. We know that."

Another good performance should ensure March keeps his place at Arsenal, the club he supported growing up, and keeps Izquierdo (below) waiting a little longer.

The Argus: "He's a bit of a character," March said. "He's fun and he's a good player so there is obviously going to be a time when he plays. Hopefully we'll see him do well.

"I try to focus on myself and keep playing well - and if you're playing well, you're going to stay in the team. I try and keep it just simple, and I'll continue to do that.

"I feel comfortable but I've definitely got more to give. Hopefully I can show that over the next few games. I'm enjoying it and hopefully I can enjoy it for a bit longer than just this season.