ALBION’S German rock Uwe Huenemeier has been hailed the “ultimate professional” as he stands by for his full debut in the Premier League.

Huenemeier is set to deputise for Shane Duffy at the heart of the defence at West Ham tonight (8pm) if the Republic of Ireland international cannot shrug off a groin injury.

Manager Chris Hughton is hopeful of Duffy recovering to maintain his influential partnership with Lewis Dunk.

Keeper Mathew Ryan regards Huenemeier as a ready-made replacement after he took over from Duffy towards the end of last Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Everton at the Amex.

Ryan said: “Uwe has got a tremendous attitude and he is experienced in the game.

“He is not the quickest or most explosive but his reading of the game is second to none. That is what helps him get that extra yard.

“It is evident in training. You can’t question his attitude at training every day.

“He is the ultimate professional and he slotted in really well coming off the bench.

“It’s quite easy for someone to be a little bit nervy in that situation but I think he held his own. He was pretty solid and made a few vital interceptions and clearances.”

The Albion defence will not have to contend with Andy Carroll, the spearheaded of manager Chris Hughton’s attack during his time in charge of Newcastle.

Carroll is serving a one-match suspension for a red card at Burnley, where he was cautioned twice in 99 seconds for aerial challenges.

Hughton said: “It will change the way they have been playing with Andy, because he’s a wonderful tool for them. I know Andy very well and know how effective he can be.

“If I look at the quality they’ve got around that, it might change the way that they play slightly.

“They still have great quality and players that can come in, different types of players, so I expect defensively the game to be just as tough.”

Albion striker Sam Baldock and midfielder Beram Kayal continue their comebacks from long-term injuries in the under-23s against Middlesbrough at the Lancing training complex today (1pm).

Baldock (calf) and Kayal (broken fibula), played for an hour for the under-23s against Blackburn Rovers at the Amex on Monday evening.