ANTHONY KNOCKAERT is poised for a bit-part role in Albion’s Premier League opener against Manchester City at the Amex on Saturday.

The French winger made an unexpected return to action as a second-half substitute in yesterday’s 3-2 friendly defeat by Atletico Madrid.

Knockaert, pictured, sidelined since sustaining an ankle ligament injury in the early stages of the first pre-season friendly against Fortuna Dusseldorf in Austria last month, came on with 18 minutes left.

He is likely to be on the bench again to begin with against City.

Boss Chris Hughton, asked about Knockaert’s prospects of starting, told The Argus: “You never say never, but Anthony has done about four days training now.

“The reason we were in a position to give him some minutes is because he had done the first two weeks of pre-season.

“We were confident. He’d done some really good work before returning to training and the injury is no problem.

“We will assess him this week, but we are conscious that he has only played 20 minutes of a very tough pre-season game.”

Knockaert’s fellow wide man Solly March, brought on for the second half, had to be substituted in the closing stages.

The outside of March’s right knee was wrapped in an ice pack following a challenge by Thomas Partey, which earned the Atletico sub a booking from referee Kevin Friend.

Hughton said: “It was just a kick. It was certainly a foul and, credit to the referee, he picked up on it straight away with his response to it.

“It was a naughty challenge but I’m sure he will be okay.”

March replaced Jamie Murphy. The other wide spot went to Izzy Brown, who impressed following his recent loan move from Chelsea.