SOLLY March has been lined up to replace red card culprit Anthony Knockaert in Albion's crunch clash against Cardiff.

Manager Chris Hughton has revealed March could have played against Bournemouth – but he decided not to take a chance on the winger.

March was ruled out of the FA Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester City at Wembley with a calf injury.

Hughton told The Argus "The (Bournemouth) decision was mine. He came off in the Chelsea game, missed last Saturday, trained Thursday, Friday.

"Could I have started him? Yes, but possibly a risk. I didn't want to take that risk with it."

Knockaert was sent-off by referee Kevin Friend for a crude tackle on Bournemouth defender Adam Smith when Albion were 2-0 down in the second half.

Hughton said: "He has let the frustrations and emotions of the game take over.

"I can only say if the roles were reversed we wouldn't want reckless challenges on any of our players.

"So it's the right decision. How bad it is, everybody will make their comments about it."

Knockaert is suspended for Cardiff's visit tomorrow night, Saturday's trip to Wolves and the game at Tottenham three days later.