Bruno has told Albion’s back-up men they have a massive role to play – despite weeks of frustration.

The skipper rates the current squad as the club’s biggest and best yet as they aim to stay well clear of Premier League danger.

But many have had to bide their time as Chris Hughton named the same XI for the last three matches.

Bruno wants Hughton to have to think long and hard over his options to take on Cardiff City on Saturday and for the busy December which follows.

He told The Argus: “Of course we have a much stronger squad with very good players.

“The most important thing is that those not playing keep a team mentality.

“They have to be prepared to get involved at any minute.”

Bruno has made four successive starts having seen compatriot Martin Montoya play the previous six matches at right-back.

The evidence of last year suggests both men will have chance to play when the schedule becomes busier in December.

Bruno said: “Martin, like a lot of players, has to keep working and await his chance.

“The ones who aren’t playing need to keep pressing to get their place in the first team.

“If the starters keep playing at a good level, they need to be patient.

“If the starters relax, those who are pressing for places will get their chance.”

Albion are eight points clear of the relegation zone as they prepare to face 19th-placed Cardiff.

The Bluebirds would love to mark boss Neil Warnock’s 100th match by securing the 46th win of his tenure.

Bruno is more concerned with his own side improving on their efforts in the 3-1 defeat at Everton, when he was unhappy with their work in possession.

He said: “What we have to think about is now a very important game at Cardiff to take another step towards our goal.

“We keep an eye on the gap.

“It is a good distance but we need to increase it.

“To increase that, we have to analyse ourselves and improve in lots of aspects.”