Albion's trip to Northampton tonight is not only a significant occasion for new signing Glenn Murray.

It will also be poignant for Paul Reid if he retains his place in the centre of midfield.

The versatile Australian is hoping for his first away start since suffering cruciate knee ligament damage at Carlisle 16 months ago.

Strange as it may seem, there is more chance of that happening than Murray making his full debut.

Albion's £300,000 striker from Rochdale is likely to be on the bench but Reid is expected to team up again with another of the January recruits, former Falkirk captain Steve Thomson, even with Tommy Fraser available after suspension.

Reid and Thomson played together for the first time in the 1-1 draw at home to Huddersfield ten days ago, initially in a midfield diamond and then more comfortably in the second half after a switch back to 4-4-2.

Reid said: "The result wasn't what we wanted but to have Thommo next to me was really good.

"It was our first game together but I thought we gelled really well. When we first signed him I expected him to be a big central midfielder but he has got a bit of a Charlie Oatway mould.

"He really gets stuck in and gets around the pitch. He's great on the ball and he can see a pass."

Reid was also impressed by Murray yesterday in his first training session with his new team-mates.

"He looked very sharp," said the former Bradford City playmaker.

"It is always hard to come into a new team and fit in straight away but he did that and he is going to be a great acquisition for the club.

"He looks a good build for a striker. It is our biggest transfer for 25 years, which is quite unbelievable really, but it shows the positive thoughts going through the club.

"Hopefully we can build on that and get ourselves into the play-off positions and back into the Championship."

Reid was more often than not used at right-back when Albion last played at Championship level. Central midfield is his preferred position and he is relieved to be back in the thick of things after such a long absence.

"I am really enjoying it," he said. "It's always nice, even in training, to play in the centre of midfield. I have been keeping in there to keep my sharpness up, because it is totally different to playing right-back.

"The game against Huddersfield was a stepping stone for me and I thought I did well. The more I play the more confident I'll be and the more of an influence I can have.

"I know I can be much fitter. I've played reserve team games and a few first team games but I know I can only improve.

"It's always hard coming back from long-term injury. If I can get five or ten consecutive games under my belt then I am sure I will be flying and back to the standard I was a few seasons ago.

"When you are out injured and not in the team you have got to stay mentally sharp.

The likes of Sam (Rents) and I were then ones who kept getting left out.

"We've kept ourselves going. It would be hard if you were the only one but myself and Sam kept our spirits high. Hopefully now I can stay in the team for many weeks to come."