Boss Chris Hughton has placed his faith in teenager Fikayo Tomori to cover Albion's backs in the promotion run-in.

The 19-year-old, signed on loan from Chelsea last month for the rest of the season, has often been on the bench as defensive cover in preference to experienced German Uwe Huenemeier in recent matches.

That is despite a nightmare debut in the FA Cup exit at Lincoln, where he scored an own goal.

Tomori provides more flexibility than Huenemeier, as he can operate as a central defender and right-back.

He made his league debut for Albion in the dying stages of last Saturday's victory at Barnsley and could be pitched into the limelight if anything happens to Shane Duffy or Lewis Dunk, with Connor Goldson ruled out for the rest of the season by a heart scare.

 

Or at right-back if there are any issues with veteran skipper Bruno, in the continuing absence from first team involvement of long-term injury victim Liam Rosenior.

Hughton told The Argus: "He's a young talent. We knew a lot about him before we decided to bring him in.

"He can play in a couple of positions and he has given us that flexibility in what we might need. It's great experience for him."

Fellow Premier League loanee Chuba Akpom is likely to be on the bench again as well against Reading tonight.

The 21-year-old Arsenal striker has made five substitute appearances so far.