Nathan Jones is in the frame for an emotion-charged return to Albion's starting line-up at Cardiff tomorrow.

The patriotic Welshman is vying with Dan Harding for a midfield role in the Championship relegation struggle at Ninian Park.

Jones took over from Harding in the second half of last Saturday's 3-2 home defeat by Derby.

It will be a proud and poignant occasion for the 31-year-old if manager Mark McGhee decides to hand him his second start of the season.

Jones, born close to the Welsh capital and released by Cardiff as a youngster, made his last away start in Albion's play-off final victory over Bristol City at the Millennium Stadium in May.

The former Southend utility player, fighting to earn a new contract, has been on the bench or out of the squad altogether so far this season apart from the 1-0 home win against Preston at the end of August.

Both teams go into tomorrow's game in much better form than their League positions suggest.

The setback against Derby ended Albion's seven-match unbeaten run. The following day McGhee watched Cardiff's bid to emulate that sequence spoilt by a late goal for West Ham at Upton Park.

"They deserved a 0-0 and they could have nicked it," McGhee said. "They probably had better chances than West Ham.

"They are a hard-working, honest team with a couple of decent strikers who on their day can score a goal.

"We've got to work as hard as them and try to bring some of the quality we have shown in recent weeks to the game, not be sucked into just a battle.

"The gap between us is four points, so the important thing is not to lose. Were we to win it would be a great result."

Young striker Chris McPhee returned to full training yesterday for the first time since fracturing a foot bone in October.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Rami Shaaban is staying on trial with the Seagulls next week.