Albion are hoping Beram Kayal comes through his first international appearance for 18 months unscathed.

The midfielder is likely to feature for Israel in a friendly against Romania tonight, together with fellow Seagull Tomer Hemed.

Kayal has deputised for Dale Stephens in Albion's last two games at Manchester United and Everton.

Stephens is expected to return against Leicester at the Amex next Saturday but losing Kayal would leave Albion vulnerable in a key area.

Injury problems have sidelined the 29-year-old from the international scene since the opening game of Israel's failed attempt to qualify for the World Cup finals against Italy in September 2016.

Kayal said: "I'm so happy to be back, especially because of the long-term injury I've had over the last couple of years. I’m pleased to be fit again and test my game at the top.

"It's great to be playing international football - I think all the hard work that I've done since the first day of my rehab is now starting to pay off.

"I've been playing international football for many years, I was 19 when I got my first call-up. It's always been something special for me.

"It's a nice feeling to know you're back home and back with the team. We work hard to achieve things in our career and to be an international player means a lot."

Kayal has been limited to 11 Premier League appearances by the form of Stephens and Davy Propper.

Striker Hemed has not played for Albion since the FA Cup tie at Middlesbrough at the end of January following the signings of Jurgen Locadia and Leo Ulloa.