Darren Moore readies West Brom squad as fixtures pile up

The Baggies host Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow before travelling to Blackburn Rovers three days later on New Years’ Day and then they are back to The Hawthorns four days after for an FA Cup third round clash with Wigan.

Moore is aware of the ‘massive effort’ the 14 players he used put in on Boxing Day, a game which claimed top scorer Dwight Gayle and has left others in doubt.

Both Jay Rodriguez and Ahmed Hegazi will also be assessed before tomorrow's match, and Moore wants his fringe players to be ready if called upon.

“We’ve got a squad of players here, each and every player is important,” he said. “The games are coming thick and fast, we need everybody.

“We’ll assess the bumps and bruises that everyone has ahead of Saturday.”

Those players who did not play on Boxing Day have been in full training this week, while the starting XI – which has remained unchanged for the past four games – were in for recovery.

But Moore is pleased to look to his bench and see the likes of James Morrison and Chris Brunt, who both came on against Wigan.

“There’s a squad there,” said Moore. “Morrison’s a great individual in terms of understanding the game, Chris Brunt comes on, that’s two players with vast experience who are West Brom through and through.

“They are excellent players who can pick up the pace of the game instantly. They all contributed to the team.

“We’ll continue to work, we’ve got another seven, eight, or nine players who need some work and we’ll keep them up to speed.”

With January drawing closer, thoughts are beginning to turn to the transfer window.

“If players are available for West Bromwich Albion and we’re able to get them in then we’ll do so,” said Moore.

“They’ve got to be the right ones, the right players to fit the club, and we’ll look at them if they’re available.

“But up until then we’ll focus on the games, and try and continue the form we’ve been showing.”