Carlos Baleba has been told he can always be the best player on the pitch after his game-changing display at the Amex.

The half-time substitute kick-started a rousing Albion recovery to beat Manchester City 2-1.

Fabian Huerzeler was hoping to keep him at Lancing during the international window rather than going away with Cameroon, due to a minor knee issue which has limited his participation of late.

The Albion head coach said: “I think he can always be the best player on the pitch. Now I think it is important to bring consistency to his development.

“I think he showed a great process, a great development so far this season.

“But it is still early this season and we have to build him and give him the environment where he can improve.

“I am very happy he has this intrinsic motivation to always improve every day, to listen when we say something to him in the individual analysis or in the group.

“He always tries to be better every day and I think that is very important for young players. Carlos is a very, very young player so he is still in a process.

“He has big potential. He is not fully fit, otherwise he would be a possible starter.

“He has a small issue so hopefully he can use the international break now to get his full health back.

“Then he will hopefully again be an option for Bournemouth.”