Tommy Elphick has backed Graeme Smith to rise to the occasion if the Scottish goalkeeper is needed by Albion against Leeds tomorrow.

First choice Michel Kuipers faced a scan yesterday afternoon and is rated 50-50 by manager Gus Poyet to recover from the groin injury which forced him off at half-time against Wycombe Wanderers on Wednesday.

Smith took over between the posts and the Glaswegian will make only his third league start since his summer move from Motherwell if the long-serving Kuipers is ruled out.

Centre half Elphick said: “He (Smith) was brought in to challenge Michel. We have seen more of him in training than the fans will have seen in games and I am sure he will be spot-on and ready if called upon.

“I don’t suppose he is happy with the position he has found himself in. He would be happier being the No.1 and it has probably been hard for him, coming from being a No.1 to No.2 at the moment.

“He will be chomping at the bit ready to take over. If he gets a chance on Saturday then it is a chance for him to hold on to that shirt for a bit.”

Albion have no other injury worries, so Poyet is likely to name the same outfield players who launched his reign so impressively at Southampton last Sunday, with Glenn Murray and Nicky Forster restored to the attack.