Anthony Knockaert will be given time and encouragement to rediscover his sparkling form as Albion boss Chris Hughton weighs up his wing options in Wales.

Hughton says it is “normal” and “natural” that his French wing wizard has been below-par since the death of his father.

Knockaert has been substituted in successive home games against Aston Villa and Fulham after losing his dad Patrick and missing the last away match at Bristol City.

Hughton told The Argus: “He’s had a period of time off and it’s probably fair to say that he hasn’t got back to his levels.

“It’s normal and it’s natural. He is also a player that we know, even this season, can have games where he doesn’t play so well and just produces something.

“So with Anthony you always give him a little bit more time and encourage him, because you know he can produce something.”

Knockaert is expected to keep his place for Albion’s trip to Cardiff on Saturday.

Hughton has to decide who to start with on the other flank after giving Scot Jamie Murphy the nod over Czech international Jiri Skalak against Fulham.

They were both on the pitch for the closing stages when Knockaert was replaced by Skalak.

Knockaert, still on four bookings, is now free of the danger of suspension. He avoided a yellow card on the date coinciding with the cut-off for five cautions incurring a one-match ban.

Cardiff’s Aron Gunnarsson is free to play following his fifth booking of the season on Saturday against Aston Villa, as two of them have been for his country Iceland.