Darren Bent could be given the chance to upset one of his former clubs at the Amex.

The ex-Albion loanee is in strong contention for a recall by Derby County when they visit on Friday.

Bent came off the bench in last night’s 1-1 draw at home to Preston which keeps the Rams ten points off the play-off zone.

He is now expected to resume his starting role in place of David Nugent.

Will Hughes, who sparkled at the Amex near the end of last season, is also a strong contender to return to Steve McClaren’s XI having been on the bench against North End.

Skipper and central defender Richard Keogh is recovering well from a calf injury.

But Derby could prefer to hold him back for their following fixture, the local derby against arch rivals Nottingham Forest.

They must also decide to whether to risk a yellow card for another ex-Seagulls loanee, Bradley Johnson, which would rule him out of the Forest clash.

Derby suffered a fate which will be familiar to Albion fans last night when they were frustrated by a 95th-minute equaliser at home to Preston.