Albion face the biggest test yet of the strength in depth of the squad against Cardiff at the Amex on Saturday.

The unsuccessful appeal against Jamie Murphy's red card at Bolton means manager Chris Hughton will have to field a third-choice left-winger against the Welshmen, with Kazenga LuaLua sidelined for several weeks by a groin injury.

Hughton will have the same problem in the two matches straight after the international break, away to Leeds and at home to Bristol City.

He has options, the most obvious Solly March or Dutchman Elvis Manu.

England under-21 March has been used more on the right but can play on either side.

The versatile Manu, who made his debut from the bench as a central striker in the recent 0-0 draw at Wolves, can play anywhere across the front line.

Hughton could also switch Sam Baldock to a role he occupied last season, when the squad had less variety, or even Dale Stephens or Liam Rosenior, although it would cause disruption to other areas of the team which are working well.

Inigo Calderon may be in the reckoning as well.

What ever Hughton decides, table-topping Albion's bid to extend their proud record as the only unbeaten team in the country to ten matches against Cardiff has just become that little bit harder.