Hal Robson-Kanu in line for West Brom starting spot against Manchester United

The Wales international has had to bide his time on the Baggies bench this season since he was signed as a free agent last summer, but his attitude has continued to impress head coach Tony Pulis.

Salomon Rondon ended a 15-game goal drought for club and country this week, scoring for Venezuela in a 3-1 defeat to Chile.

But the Baggies number nine does not return from international duty until today, and Pulis has hinted that he plans to save him for the trip to Watford next Tuesday. It means Robson-Kanu is in line for his second start in three Albion games, and just his third of the season.

The 27-year-old made a big impact as a substitute last time out, giving the Baggies the lead against the Gunners, and Pulis says the former Reading man has earned his chance to shine.

"Hal has been like that all season," says Pulis. "He's been disappointed he's not been playing. He's made me aware of that. Every training session he's been first class and when we win games there's no one happier than him. He's been a real stalwart in respect of his experience and character."

Pulis has been impressed with squad players like Robson-Kanu and James McClean whenever he's called upon them. He reckons their response, more than anything, proves he's struck gold this season.

"Most clubs I've been at, you know you get it right because the people out of the team are still really competitive and hard-working for the team," he said.

"You want the players to be disappointed they're not playing, but you don't want them to show it and affect the group, especially the 11 that are playing.

"The clubs I've been at, the strength has been the players out of the team because they've been as determined and together as the ones that are in it, and sometimes that's very difficult. There's better togetherness in the group. What you really want is a very solid group of how many players. I prefer smaller closer-knit squads."

Albion have sent scouts to watch Schalke play recently but reports the Baggies are interested in 30-year-old full-back Dennis Aogo are wide of the mark.

Tony Pulis has previously been interested in 23-year-old left-back Sead Kolasinac.