Bakary Sako champing at the bit for West Brom debut

The former Wolves winger could be in line for his Baggies debut this weekend after impressing head coach Darren Moore in training during the week.

Sako was eligible for two games before the break, but having not played since January, he needed to work on his fitness. However, Moore is confident the 30-year-old is now ready.

"We like how Bakary’s looking now, he’s been with us a good few weeks and trained extremely hard," said Moore. "Bakary is chomping at the bit to get a start.

"We’re pleased to have him up to speed. He wants to get a taste of it.

“The way he’s been training and the level of work he has put in would suggest to me that he’s saying ‘I’m ready’.

“Where he was before to where he is now, there’s a massive improvement.

“There’s a speed and strength to him now. Physically he’s better.

"His close control and movement looks cleaner and better which comes from the workload and the training and the football he has had in the last few weeks.

“When I look at him now I’m more pleased than a few weeks ago.

“He’s part of the squad now and depending on when we feel like we need to use him, it’s nice to know that option is available for us."

Albion have five games in the next 15 days, starting with a trip to Wigan Athletic today, so Sako may be drip-fed minutes.

Matt Phillips is also expected to make a return to action in the next seven days, having sat out the last four games with a muscle strain.

"He’s back in training and available for squad selection," said Moore. "We’re delighted to have him back.

"We’ll assess him and look at the games because after Saturday there are many games that come thick and fast.

"I’m sure he’ll be back in sooner rather than later."