Albion have put Solly March’s return to action on hold.

March misses the under-21s’ second group fixture in the EFL Trophy at League Two strugglers Stevenage (7.45pm) tonight.

The winger is being eased back to action after suffering a shin problem during his initial return from a long-term knee injury.

Boss Chris Hughton initially expected March to play for the under-23s in a Premier League Cup match on Saturday or in tonight’s game but is cautious about rushing him back before he is ready.

Albion development boss Simon Rusk, who is in charge tonight, said: “They have got Solly training at the moment and maybe it has come just a little too early.

“They are trying to get his fitness levels up and his sharpness in training before he gets some more game exposure.”

The Seagulls will give five senior players game time tonight.

The back four will be boosted by over-age players Connor Goldson, Uwe Huenemeier and Sebastien Pocognoli, as well as recent Championship debutant Rob Hunt.

Rohan Ince will play in midfield with Elvis Manu up front.

Rusk added: “The manager wants a few players to get some game time and that is a good thing for us. The senior players always bring that experience and calmness and hopefully that rubs off on the younger players.”

Goldson and Huenemeier played in the first Trophy game, at Southend, as well as the League Cup exit to Reading. Pocognoli came through 90 minutes at Ipswich last week but has seen his arrival from West Brom coincide with Gaetan Bong’s best form of the season.

Manu and Ince have had very limited senior minutes.

Albion need to return from the Lamex Stadium with some reward to ensure their one home group fixture in the Trophy, against Leyton Orient on November 8, has something riding on it.