Midfielders back for Colchester tie

Injured duo Chris Brunt and James Morrison have been declared fit for tomorrow's fixture against Colchester United (KO3pm) at The Hawthorns. The midfield pair had been sidelined due to hamstring and ankle problems picked up during the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace. However after missing the previous three games Brunt and Morrison have given Tony Mowbray a welcome midfield dilemma.

Mowbray also revealed that Leon Barnett is close to returning to full fitness after picking up a hamstring strain with Sherjill Macdonald also back on the training field after recently undergoing knee surgery on a minor complaint.

"Leon has been out there running, sprinting and kicking and isn't far away," Mowbray said.

"That's pleasing.

"It seems that both Leon and Chris had fatigue injuries rather than proper hamstring strains which could have taken four, six or eight weeks to heal.

"Chris is back in full training and Leon will join in on Monday, so we'll see how he is.

"James is also back in full training and Sherjill isn't far away either.

"Sherjill had a meniscus trim only five days ago and is already back on the training pitch, which is quite amazing."

With Leon Barnett still searching for full fitness Mowbray made the decision to recall Neil Clement from his loan spell at Hull City after impressing at the KC Stadium. After starting the season's opener at Turf Moor 'Clem' has found first team opportunities limited after suffering a serious knee injury.

However Albion's longest serving player has now returned fully fit and is ready to help the club's promotion push in the remaining eight games.

""I have spoken to Neil at length and he knew the reasons we let him go," Mowbray continued.

"He had come off the back of a bad injury and he needed to play football.

"He needed to get himself in a state mentally where he was confident and believed that his future was bright.

"After my conversation with him yesterday, I believe that is the player who's come back to us.

"We have a player who wants to play for Albion and believes he is more than good enough to get in our team.

"He is coming back to do just that which is great for me because the more hungry players you have got the better."

Mowbray added: "We could have brought him back any time we wanted but I'm not stupid and I think Phil Brown will see it exactly the same way.

"Why leave our player at Hull to help them when they are having a decent run at the moment?

"But that's not the only reason for bringing him back.

"My first thought is always for the player and he has proved his fitness during his month there.

"He has been playing well, is now in a confident mood and I believe it's only right we should have him available for us now he is fit and mentally ready to play.

"I'm pretty sure he can play a part.

"The good thing is that we're now getting a mentally positive player coming back to the club as opposed to trying to play him through the injury in our own team while we're trying to win every game we play.

"We would have had a position with him being in and out of the team and having mental torture at times.

"He has gone to Hull and done exceptionally well.

"Now he is back and telling me he is ready to get into our team.

"He thinks he can still contribute to our club and we are delighted that's the case."