Albion man of mystery Percy Tau could face his biggest test yet in European club football tonight.

The South African forward is expected to start against top-flight rivals in a local derby which has attracted live television coverage.

His club Union St Gilloise take on Brussels neighbours Anderlecht in an eagerly-awaited Belgian Cup tie.

Tau has been bright for USG in the second division after going on loan from Albion.

But this is the first time the man who was a major star back home in South Africa will test himself against top-flight opponents in Europe.

Tau’s army of fans in South Africa were stunned to see him join Tony Bloom’s lower division outfit on loan after moving to Albion from Mamelodi Sundowns.

They expected the South African player of the year to immediately go on to better things.

Meanwhile, Albion supporters still know precious little about the 24-year-old and whether he stands any chance of eventually making it into the Premier League.

But he has impressed Belgian observers with his team ethic and could have the chance to really make an impact tonight.

Jean-François Delisse, who covers USG for Derniere Heure newspaper, said: “He started slowly but he has got better and better.

“He has only scored in the cup but we have seen he is strong technically and very explosive.

“He has been good for longer, game by game.

“He was good for say 30 minutes, then for 45. On Saturday, he set up a goal on 82 minutes by beating a man and cutting the ball back.

“I think the thing that has impressed is that he plays for the team.

“We thought he would be looking to do things alone, get his goals and assists to impress people.

“But he has been more about the collective, like he doesn’t want to be in the spotlight.

“I think that is really good – but it’s a bit of a surprise.”

Tau has not carried out media interviews at USG but boss Luka Elsner has reported he is positive and happy at his new club.

Tau’s teamwork has helped Youssouf Niakate, his French sidekick in a 4-4-2 line-up, to eight goals in seven games.

Tau is unable to play or train with Albion yet for work permit reasons although boss Chris Hughton told The Argus he would have gone out on loan even had that not been the case.

Hughton said: “We have taken him knowing we are not going to get him a work permit.

“But the jump from South African football to here is quite big.”

It is unclear whether Bloom will be at the match although he attended a recent league fixture against Louven.

Paul Mullen, the Seagulls head of football administration, will be present as a director of USG.

Albion chief executive Paul Barber is also attending the match as Mullen’s guest.