Albion manager Mark McGhee today singled out Steve Sidwell as one of the main dangers to his team's hopes of a flying start to the season.

McGhee watched Saturday's hosts Reading lose 4-1 to Manchester City in their final warm-up game at the Madejski Stadium on Monday night.

Despite that defeat, McGhee sensed a real air of expectancy at his old club after they just missed out on the play-offs last season.

And he picked out former Seagull Sidwell's central midfield partnership with James Harper as the biggest stumbling block to Albion's chances.

"I didn't see anything about their team that I didn't already know," McGhee said. "I know their players and I saw them again close-up.

"They looked fit and energetic, particularly in midfield. I think that is where the game will be won and lost, with Harper and Sidwell.

"Clearly you get the feeling at the place that they are very optimistic about the season they are going to have.

"Even the announcer called it what could be the greatest season in the club's history.

"All of that suggested they really fancy their chances, so I learnt that we have got to go there expecting them to be really confident and upbeat."

McGhee will make a decision by tomorrow about midfield trialists Darren Currie and Alexis Nicolas.

Currie's inclusion in Monday's squad photo confirmed the impression that the former Wycombe playmaker will be offered a contract.