Gareth McAuley back to boost Baggies' defence
Gareth McAuley is poised to hand Albion a timely fitness boost after making a swift recovery from a calf strain.
And boss Tony Pulis is hopeful of further good news as Albion look to seal a deal for striker Rickie Lambert by the weekend.
McAuley limped out of last weekend's 4-1 friendly win at Swindon but could feature tonight at Bristol Rovers.
With Craig Dawson out with a thigh strain, the McAuley's injury left Pulis worryingly short in recognised defenders.
But the arrival of James Chester from Hull on Wednesday and the 35-year-old centre-back's swift recovery means the Baggies are set to have strong competition for places ahead of the Premier League opener against Manchester City on August 10.
Discussions between Albion and Liverpool over the future of 33-year-old Lambert were today ongoing.
A fee is yet to be agreed with Liverpool keen to recoup as much of the £4.5million fee paid to bring the forward from Southampton 12 months ago. Albion's valuation is thought to be around the £3million mark.
Tottenham were yesterday reported to have entered the race but Lambert would likely see far more playing time at Albion.
