'We want him to finish games' - West Brom boss' challenge to summer recruit

The defender had to wait until the midweek defeat at Watford on October 22 first his first start in Baggies colours as Mason emphasised the point about Gilchrist being ready to last physically having not worked with Albion in pre-season.

Gilchrist injured his ankle against the Hornets and missed the clash at Ipswich but made a first home start in Saturday's goalless draw against Sheffield Wednesday. He withdrew with 20 minutes left due to cramp and now head coach Mason wants more.

"We want him to finish games," insisted Mason.

"Obviously, against Watford, he had to come off with an ankle problem. On Saturday he had a bit of a tightness in his hamstring and was cramping up.

"So we need to get him to a point where he can play every three days because that's the demands of this league and that's what we expect from all of our players."

Gilchrist, who spent last season on loan in the Championship with Sheffield United, quietly impressed in his first two Albion starts. He deputised for George Campbell, who had been playing in a more familiar right-back role this season for Albion. Campbell is currently out with a groin issue.

The Baggies have been stretched of late, particularly in central midfield, where muscle injuries to Jayson Molumby and Toby Collyer have placed emphasis on the squad's other natural options, Alex Mowatt and Ousmane Diakite.

Mowatt appeared to take a couple of knocks against the Owls but once again played on as Mason's side failed to find a winner. Only once - in a 3-0 defeat at Millwall - has Mowatt not started in the league this term.

The head coach added: "It's completely normal in the middle of the park. I've played there, I've felt it.

"It's very rare you get through a game of football, especially in the Championship, without taking contact. I've had moments like that."