Mowbray ready for tough test

Albion boss Tony Mowbray has told his players to be prepared for a tough test ahead of their Carling Cup clash at Hartlepool tonight (KO 19.45). The Baggies find themselves on the back of consecutive Premiership defeats with the home side also reeling after 1-0 defeats to Stockport and Tranmere.

New signing Borja Valero is expected to make his Baggies debut if international clearance is granted in time with Mowbray planning changes to the XI which faced Everton on Saturday.

"There will be a few changes but there won't be mass changes," the Baggies boss said.

"It will still be a team of Premier League players who are striving to get on the pitch in league matches.

"Everyone is fighting for their place and someone who gets a place in the Carling Cup might do exceptionally well and stay in the team for Saturday.

"It is still early in the season so there is no need to rest players.

"Some of them have been away for internationals and maybe that will be a reason for giving them a breather.

"There will be some who haven't been away for international games who will be desperate to get started.

"It will be a strong side which I hope can win.

"I think the confidence is high from the way the team played on Saturday.

"There is no problem with confidence."

Despite sitting 16^th in League One this term Hartlepool have already beaten two of Albion's opposition last term. On the opening day of the season 'Pool beat Colchester 4-2 and have also overcome Scunthorpe in the first round of the Carling Cup courtesy of a 1-0 victory with Mowbray expecting a tough task at Victoria Park.

"Hartlepool are a decent team, work extremely hard and have got some good individuals," Mowbray continued.

"It is not easy to go to Hartlepool and get a win.

"No-one should be thinking we are going to go there and score a bagful of goals.

"It might be the case but we are anticipating a tough game."