Leon Knight hit back at his critics today after returning to top form for Albion with his first goal from open play for six months.

Knight, on target after ten minutes in last night's 1-1 home draw against Cardiff, was criticised in The Argus by fans for his reaction to being substituted at Crewe on Saturday.

"I saw in the newspaper fans saying I should stop throwing my toys out," Knight said. "That annoyed me because nobody likes being taken off.

"The manager has told me he didn't like it when he was playing and Graeme Souness said the same about Craig Bellamy at the weekend.

"I didn't show any dissent or kick anything over like I did once before when I was substituted. I was unhappy, so what?

"There is no need for people to be ranting and raving in the paper. I worked my socks off and I will keep doing that."

Manager Mark McGhee said: "I was delighted for Leon to get a goal and I was particularly pleased with his overall performance.

"It was arguably his best performance of the season. He worked very hard for the team and was a threat to them."

Substitute Lee Bullock headed Cardiff level nine minutes from time but the point was enough to lift Albion up a place above Crewe to 17th.

Wolves moved out of the bottom three to within two points of Albion with a 2-0 defeat of Derby.

Alexis Nicolas, forced off in the first half by a twisted ankle, is doubtful for Saturday's home game against Leeds and Adam Virgo misses the trip to Sunderland on October 30 after collecting his fifth booking in the closing stages.

Paul Watson and John Piercy make their comebacks in the Reserves at Gillingham today (2pm). Watson is returning from a serious back injury and Piercy from colitis.