PASCAL Gross faces a new threat to his position as Albion’s number ten kingpin from Yves Bissouma.

The Mali international made a good impression on his Premier League debut as a substitute in the opening 2-0 defeat at Watford.

Manager Chris Hughton introduced Bissouma at Vicarage Road in a straight swap for Gross, rather than in midfield.

Albion looked more of a threat with the 21-year-old signing from Lille on the pitch.

Hughton must now decide whether to fit Bissouma into his starting XI for Sunday’s first home game against Manchester United (4pm).

Hughton told The Argus: “We will see. Generally he has played in midfield in a two or a three, so we know we can play him in that way.

“I just felt we needed to get more pace and power in that position. He showed some good touches on the ball. We know what he can give the team.”

Gross will still be an influential figure after his leading role in Albion’s survival last season.

He contributed seven goals and eight assists, culminating in the winner against United at the Amex in May which sealed safety with two matches to spare.

Albion’s tally of 11 away points was the lowest in the league last season. They visit Liverpool and Manchester City in two of the next three away games but Hughton is not worried at this stage about their travel sickness.

“No, not at this moment because we are one game into the season,” he said. “It concerned me last season and is something we will certainly have to be better at this season but it’s miles too early to worry about that.”