Darren Moore asks Brighton fans not to abuse Jay Rodriguez

Just over 12 months ago, Rodriguez was accused of racism by Brighton defender Gaetan Bong following a match at The Hawthorns.

The charge was found to be "not proven" by the Football Association, although the governing body said it was satisfied Bong's complaint was "made in absolute good faith".

Even though Rodriguez is a doubt for tomorrow's FA Cup fourth round match with a knock and may not feature, Moore insists he has no qualms about playing him if fit.

"Jay will travel, I’ll tell you that now," said Albion's head coach. "That incident, I’d forgotten about it.

"Both players and clubs cooperated well over the incident and we don’t expect anything. They’re both good boys. We’ll just get on with it and focus on the game and playing it in the right manner."

When it was suggested to Rodriguez might receive abuse from the home crowd, Moore added: "I hope not.

"They’re asking us to be professional footballers, I’m asking the crowd to be professional as fans and supporters.

"Think about who’s sitting next to them, I’m sure there will be children so think how you represent yourself if front of them as young generation if fans.

"So I’m asking the fans to be professional as we will be on the pitch."

Brighton boss Chris Hughton has also played down the incident on the eve of the match, saying it is now in the past.

"There have been issues before and we are all very conscious of that," said Hughton. "But that was something in the past, I think it has to be that way.

"It was dealt with by the FA, I would have to say very, very well.

"We certainly couldn't have had any complaints with the way that it was dealt with but it's something in the past."