Albion manager Mark McGhee today played down the chances of top scorer Leon Knight being suspended for part of the play-offs.

McGhee is convinced Knight will not be banned when he answers an FA charge of violent behaviour.

Knight has requested a personal hearing after clashing with Sheffield Wednesday player Lewis McMahon at the end of Albion's 2-1 defeat at Hillsborough on March 27.

The Seagulls hoped the hearing would not take place until June, but it is more likely to be held some time next month. The play-off semi-finals are staged between May 15 and 20, with the final in Cardiff on May 30.

McGhee said: "I have not given it a thought. It is not worrying me at all. Even the referee's report doesn't cause me any concern."

An FA spokesman said: "Leon Knight has requested a personal hearing, but as yet we don't know the date. If he was found guilty a suspension can apply to the play-offs."

Meanwhile, chairman Dick Knight is still considering whether to appeal against the size of Albion's £5,000 fine from the FA for failing to control their players following a mass confrontation at Stockport in February.

The Seagulls were intent on appealing to a panel with an independent chairman, but the cost of such hearings are high and they run the risk of their punishment being increased.

They have until May 7 to decide.

Knight and the other Football League chairmen are discussing the possible renaming of the First Division when they meet at Walsall today.

The League hired TBWA, the advertising agency formerly owned by Knight, to look at rebranding issues.