Albion captain Bruno has warned against expecting too much of French ace Anthony Knockaert.

The wing wizard was not at his best and was substituted in Friday’s 1-1 home draw with Aston Villa.

It was Knockaert’s first game back following the sudden death of his father, which prompted his absence from the previous match at Bristol City.

Bruno told The Argus: “It’s tough moments for him and his family but I think he’s ready to play.

“With Anthony we always expect a lot from him, because he’s a really good player and when he is not at that level we maybe think too much about it.

“He cannot keep that form every single game. We couldn’t keep the ball as we normally do and he didn’t have too many chances, ones v ones. It was a difficult game for him.”

Knockaert has been in blistering form for Albion this season. He is second top scorer behind Glenn Murray with six goals and has regularly dazed opposing defences with his tricky skills.

The former Leicester and Standard Liege wide man is aiming for a late birthday present against Fulham at the Amex on Saturday.

Knockaert, who was 25 on Sunday, helped torment Fulham when Albion romped to a 5-0 win in April. He rounded off the rout after a Tomer Hemed hat-trick and a rare goal for Bruno.

Knockaert needs to avoid a booking on Saturday to escape a suspension.

He has survived on four yellow cards since October 1. The cut-off for a one-match ban for five cautions in the Football League is the end of November.