Albion's supersub Colin Kazim-Richards has been told he must be fitter to warrant a regular place.
The young striker returns to the starting line-up against Hull at Withdean on Friday following his spectacular late consolation as a substitute in last Saturday's 5-1 defeat at Reading.
Kazim-Richards' long-range strike was his fourth eyecatching goal in 12 appearances off the bench, compared to no goals in the 11 games he has started.
Manager Mark McGhee said: "It's a worry and I think he has got to get fitter. It's difficult to do that mid-season. It's going to be next year before we get him really fit, because I think he is nowhere near as fit as he should be.
"He is able to come on in concentrated periods of games and be explosive, where as I think he finds that more difficult to maintain over 90 minutes at the moment.
"He's a naturally strong lad but strength and explosive pace over five or ten yards is different to general fitness.
"Leon's (Knight) a bit the same but there's a huge psychological element as well. They have got to hurt themselves to get as fit as we want them to be. Sometimes they don't quite push it."
Kazim-Richards' majestic impact at the Madjeski Stadium has assured the 19-year-old former Bury forward a place from the first whistle against Hull.
"He'll start on Friday," McGhee confirmed. "He scored the goal, he looked dangerous and strong, so he will get his chance again."
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