Injury setback rules out Ben Foster until Christmas

Foster has been out of action since March but it had been hoped he would return to contention in October.

But manager Tony Pulis has confirmed that the England international has suffered a minor blow in his recovery.

Asked when Foster is likely to be back in action Pulis said: "Christmastime. We have got to be careful with him. He had a little setback which has pushed him back a little but thank God it wasn't too bad.

"He's up and running again now so fingers crossed he will be ready to go before Christmas."

Should Foster manage to meet his festive return target, it would leave him a few months to stake a claim for a place in the England team for Euro 2016.

But Pulis insists that returning to action for Albion must be his immediate priority.

He said: I think having spoken to Ben that the most important thing is to get fit and start playing for West Brom again.

"And then if the Euros come for him then brilliant but the most important thing is that he has got to get fit and get back in the team here."

Pulis added: "He'll be on the grass in a couple of weeks so hopefully fingers crossed he will just go from strength to strength."

Pulis has also praised the performances of goalkeeper Boaz Myhill for the fine job he has done between the sticks in Foster's absence.

And he was also impressed with fellow shotstopper Anders Lindegaard in his Albion debut against Norwich on Wednesday night.

He may have a welcome selection headache when Foster returns to contention.

But he confirmed that Myhill remains the first choice for Monday's clash with Everton.

He said: "I was pleased with Anders.

But I don't think Boaz has done anything wrong."