Albion boss Sami Hyypia has hinted at a more prominent role for Paddy McCourt in his Championship plans.

McCourt caught the eye on his full debut in last night’s 3-0 win in the Capital One Cup at Burton Albion.

The former Barnsley playmaker was involved in two of the goals but also impressed the manager with his defensive contribution, an aspect of the game which has held the Northern Irishman back throughout his career.

Hyypia told The Argus: “I think that’s maybe why he is in this kind of position in his career. Nobody can do it but him. He needs to realise what he needs to do to improve and to be a very important player for the team defensively as well.

“When he is doing that I’m very happy, because I know what kind of qualities he has offensively.

“He is much fitter now and he tried to his defensive tasks perfectly as well.

“He was running back and that’s what we want him to do as well. When he can do that in the higher level in the League games then why not (play him)?”

A late red card for stand-in skipper Inigo Calderon from referee Darren Bond for a high boot in a challenge on Burton’s Robbie Weir was the only blot on Albion’s smooth passage.

“I don’t think he saw him coming,” Hyypia said. “He saw him late and then he raises his foot to the ball. I saw it (on video) and he actually touched the ball as well so I would have liked some common sense from the referee.”

Calderon faces a lengthy spell out. He is banned for Saturday’s trip to leaders Nottingham Forest, next Tuesday's home game against Cardiff and the visit to Watford on October 4, the last fixture before another international break.