West Brom boosted by trio's return to availability for Preston trip

Albion boss James Morrison confirmed a boost in squad options for his side’s clash at mid-table Preston on Saturday.

The Baggies return to on-pitch duties after headlines this week about the club’s EFL charge for an alleged financial breach.

Morrison is determined to focus on the task at hand and ensuring the Baggies claim enough points from the final four fixtures to ensure safety.

His squad are boosted by the return to availability of Karlan Grant, Chris Mepham and Tammer Bany for the clash at Preston. The trio have trained in full this week.

Attacker Grant and defender Mepham have both served lengthy absence periods with serious hamstring injuries. Grant has not played since the draw at Derby on January 23 and Mepham has been sidelined since the home stalemate against Stoke on February 7.

Attacking midfielder Bany, meanwhile, is the forgotten man after just a handful of minutes for his club all season and just five substitute outings since his Hawthorns arrival 14 months ago. He underwent surgery on a torn thigh in the new year.

Morrison said: “It was nice (to have them train).

“Not just for me, I think for the lads. Seeing experienced players come back in gives us a different dimension. It gives them a chance to build their fitness up and be available for selection when we need them. They’re available for the squad.

“There is 23 players now really, so they're fighting for those slots. It's a good problem to have.”

Academy graduate midfielder Harry Whitwell sustained a minor knock in training and is expected to miss the Preston clash.

Grant’s return in particular is a welcome one given the long-term injuries in wide attacking positions to he, Mikey Johnston and Jed Wallace.

Morrison added specifically on the boost of welcoming back Grant: “He was a big miss when he got injured because I felt he was at the top of his game.

“Not just his ability, I think just for the group, what he brings in terms of his personality, his leadership qualities.

“He leads in different ways. He's quite vocal in the dressing room. He'll say his point when he needs to say his point.

“Going into the four games, he's a big plus to have him back around it.”