ANTHONY KNOCKAERT is on course for his first Premier League start for Albion at Watford on Saturday.

The flustered French winger was substituted at half-time in last night’s 1-0 Carabao Cup win against Barnet at the Amex following a booking for dissent.

Boss Chris Hughton revealed it was always the plan to give Knockaert 45 minutes after ankle ligament damage disrupted his pre-season.

Hughton said: “He certainly was getting a little bit frustrated out there, but the plan was always to play him for 45 minutes anyway. He’s at a stage now where he has come on for us and he is training well at the moment.

“There is no doubt he hasn’t had the football others have had as regards game time but as regards his availability and fitness through injury then yes, he is available.

“It is (a boost). He has been with us on the bench the last few games and it’s just been a choice, but it’s good to have that 45 minutes under his belt.”

Glenn Murray is expected to be fit for the trip to Vicarage Road after hobbling out of the 2-0 defeat at Leicester with an ankle knock.

Hughton said: “We are confident he will be fine for the weekend.”

Hughton’s strikeforce is set to be strengthened by the £10 million capture of 21-year-old Ghana prospect Raphael Dwamena from FC Zurich, subject to a medical, work permit and international clearance.

“He’s another centre and you need options, because of injury and the need to change things,” Hughton said.

“He’s a young talent, a good all-round player, prepared to run behind, a left-footer, so a good, all-round centre-forward and a good one not only to give us something now but to develop as well.”