Albion manager Mark McGhee says the return of Chris McPhee from injury is like signing a new player.

The striker was unable to cap his first action of the season with a goal after coming on as a substitute for Albion Reserves at Northampton yesterday.

McPhee has been sidelined since breaking a bone in his foot in pre-season but came on to play the last 25 minutes of the 0-0 draw against the Cobblers.

McGhee said: "It would be great if Chris could be fit enough to make a claim for a first team place in a few week's time. We won't rush him back but just having him on the bench would be like signing a new player.

"Chris worked so hard over the summer to get himself ready for this season so it has been a real shame he has not been able to take any part due to injury.

"He put on a stone in weight and none of it was fat and we were looking forward to seeing how the regime he had put himself through would improve his game. Hopefully we won't have to wait too much longer to find out."

McPhee's appearance was the highlight of a dour game which saw the return of Ben Roberts from injury cut short after just a minute when he collided with Adam Mountford.

Reserve boss Dean White said: "We didn't expect Chris to be fit to play until next week at the earliest so for him to get 25 minutes was a big bonus for us.

"He looked a little rusty but that is to be expected because he has only been back in training for a week. He should get sharper every day from now on."