Casper Ankergren will be back in goal for Albion against Coventry at The Amex next Saturday if Steve Harper decides not to extend his stay.

Harper’s loan spell from Newcastle ends with today’s trip to Southampton.

Boss Gus Poyet originally wanted to sign him until January.

Harper is open to the idea of staying for longer but much will depend on the attitude of his wife, who is looking after their three children in the North-East.

Poyet said: “We are happy with his performances and that is the key. On the other hand, we need to make sure he is happy to be living here and with the family. It needs to be good for everyone.”

Poyet is pleased with the way former No. 1 Ankergren has responded since the signing of Harper.

“Casper is reacting in a very good way,” he said. “It’s natural that when a player is playing week in and week out and there is a little bit of pressure and you are not winning and then the manager brings somebody else in it releases that pressure.

“For the first few days it was more like a relief for him but he has been excellent. He’s still been challenging for the position but Steve has done pretty well in goal so far.

“It wouldn’t be common sense to play him now.

“If Steve decides to go back that doesn’t mean I’m going to bring in another goalkeeper.”