ALBION winger Anthony Knockaert has pledged to learn from his first red card in English football.

The emotion-charged Frenchman was sent-off at Everton last month for a two-footed lunge at Leighton Baines.

He missed three matches over a five-week period before returning to the squad.

Knockaert, 26, told The Argus: “It was difficult, more when my team-mates were playing. Obviously you can’t help, you can’t do anything to help them win games.

“They did well. It was a bit hard to watch them, but at least I will learn from it. It will be a good lesson for me.

“I don’t think about it negatively, I think positively and take it as a lesson, take it as a thing I need to learn and won’t do again in my career.

“The way I am is one of the reasons for my success. You won’t change the way I am, but I can always try to get better and better in terms of reaction.”

Knockaert returned to Albion’s battle for Premier League survival as a second-half sub in the derby defeat at Crystal Palace.

Chris Hughton restored him to the starting eleven for the 1-1 home draw with Spurs, which has eased the Seagulls to the verge of safety.

Knockaert said: “It’s always important to play games and to get your rhythm back.

“I tried to stay as fit as I could during the weeks off. I trained harder than ever and I was ready when the gaffer needed me. It’s important to keep fit and get your head right.”

Knockaert makes his first away start since the Everton incident at Burnley tomorrow.

Roger East is the man in charge for his 100th Albion appearance – the same ref that dismissed him at Goodison Park.