Andrea Orlandi admits it will be tough for Albion to barge their way into the automatic promotion race.

But the in-form Spanish midfielder is optimistic about their chances of being involved in the Championship play-offs.

Sixth-placed Albion are 11 points behind Watford with two games in hand after Gianfranco Zola's men were held 1-1 at Wolves tonight.

They are nine points adrift of arch rivals Crystal Palace, who have also played two matches more after tonight's 1-0 win at Derby and visit The Amex a fortnight on Sunday.

Orlandi, speaking before tonight's games, said: “It’s quite far. We’ve got a game in hand on Watford but it is difficult. Now we are being consistent, which is the main thing we were always talking about.

“We are in a good run, playing well, and when we don’t play well we are getting results which is what we were missing, so I think we have got a good chance. Now we have got Vicente back, which is really important, and we are ready for the challenge.”

Albion fought their way to an uncharacteristic 1-0 win against Burnley at The Amex last Saturday. Orlandi said: “Against Hull it was the same.

“That’s what we have to do, scrap for three points. It will be the same kind of game against Huddersfield, really hard and tough. It’s going to be a war again and we have to make sure we are up for it. We definitely will be.”