Somen Tchoyi surprise for the derby

Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo could spring a major Black Country derby surprise by fielding Somen Tchoyi as a stand-in striker.

The head coach is considering moving the Cameroon international up front, who today gave a vote of confidence to under-fire forward Marc-Antoine Fortune.

Di Matteo looks set to be without leading scorer Peter Odemwingie for Sunday's clash with Wolves and Tchoyi, who has played as a central striker for previous clubs, could be switched from his normal wide role.

He said: "It's something we've looked at. The only issue is that I haven't actually had a chance to try it out in pre-season or anywhere else."

The Italian also has Ishmael Miller in his thoughts for Sunday's game with Odemwingie struggling to shake off a calf problem, but Miller is still striving for full fitness after returning as a substitute at Villa on Saturday from a series of injuries.

Di Matteo said: "Ishmael hasn't got 90 minutes in his legs yet but he is getting better day by day through training and playing.

"He's getting ever closer to full match fitness."