ANTHONY Knockaert says Albion boss Chris Hughton "has a decision to make" as the winger fights for a return to the Premier League starting line-up.

Knockaert produced a lively cameo as a substitute in place of Solly March in the last quarter of the 1-0 home defeat by Liverpool.

The Frenchman is hoping he has pressed his claims for a spot in the starting X1 against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Knockaert, 27, has found himself out of the team in recent weeks since the emergence of Jurgen Locadia on the left and a shift by Hughton to a 4-3-3 system.

He started the first seven league matches of the season but has been on the bench or out of the squad for a month, apart from featuring from the kick-off and scoring in the FA Cup third round win at Bournemouth.

Knockaert said: "I will keep working hard and the manager has a decision to make.

"He does his job and it is up to me to just keep working hard and get back in the side.

"I try to give my best when I am able to play, to give my best to the team, and that's what I did.

"We were unlucky that we could not get back into the game but I think we could be proud of ourselves.

"We could have been a bit more lucky but it wasn't to be. It is up to us now to keep the same level as we produced and that will give us the best chance at Manchester United."

Knockaert helped Albion to a 3-2 win over United at the Amex in August after also beating them in May to clinch safety.

He has not started an away game in the league since the 1-0 defeat at Burnley in early December.