Tony Mowbray hopeful of benefit for returning West Brom duo

Mowbray watched on at Solihull Moors' Damson Park as striker Dike returned to action with 30 minutes exactly 365 days after his Achilles injury at Ipswich last season.

Defender Ajayi has been sidelined since October and played the first half for Richard Beale's under-21s side in a 3-1 victory over Newcastle under-21s.

The duo came through the latest part of their recovery unscathed having trained with Albion's first team for the best part of a fortnight.

The head coach admitted neither will make his senior squad for Wednesday night's clash against Blackburn - though towering defender Ajayi may be called on for Saturday's trip to face a physical Millwall side, particularly with Kyle Bartley serving a suspension.

Mowbray said: "They've obviously been out on the training ground for a week or two, I just feel it was right they play in a game that is not overly controlled for them, where they have to be committed, not like in training where you have to be careful of team-mates.

"I thought it was the next step for them to play close to half a game. I hope they feel it was a benefit.

"It was a benefit for me to watch the game. One to see they both got through no problem and two to see the young players at the club and keep an eye on them, see their development.

"I'm not sure it brings them to my mind for tomorrow's game, but it's one of the steps along the way to get back to contribute in the first team."

The head coach added: "Let's see how they feel today. If they do fine let them do a bit of training today, it's getting them back in the routine and ready for senior football.

"With Semi, we have Millwall on the horizon, at six foot five he is something in my mind to include him, bring him along and see if he can contribute. Every coach wants the full selection. We brought two strikers in on top of those we already have.

"I like the options. I say to the squad if you're on the bench you might finish on the pitch and if you're a striker hopefully you finish with a goal. I want to include them all. I'm delighted for those two."

Dike's return from his second serious Achilles setback was delayed in October when the powerful striker injured his hamstring upon a first return to training.

He could build match minutes further next Monday night (February 17) when Beale's under-21 side tackle Wolves away in the mini-derby at Aggborough.

Beale praised the influence of the pair, both in the impressive victory over Newcastle and in the training session with the youth side on Sunday.

Albion under-21 boss Beale said: "It was really good to see those lads back on the pitch, Daryl's had a similar time of it to Jamal (Mohammed, under-21s defender returning from long-term injury) recently.

"He's been carefully managed back into the programme which meant he got 30 minutes, which was planned. He came through well, played well and looked good.

"He's a fantastic young man who has got a fantastic attitude, everybody's hoping and praying he can stay fit and do what he was doing before his injury problems.

"It was nice to see Semi who has had a shorter-term injury but I thought the pair was excellent and certainly their attitude in the training session on Sunday and in the game was an example to all young players."