Republic of Ireland prospect Glen Rea leads an inexperienced Albion under-21s side into battle against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park tonight (7pm).

The centre-half turned holding midfielder was recently awarded a contract extension to the end of next season after featuring in the first team squad.

Albion's youngsters will be attempting to bounce back from last week's 2-1 defeat away to Derby under caretaker Simon Rusk.

They are eighth in the 12-team Premier League division two table.

Rovers, next-to-bottom, opened their campaign in August with a 2-0 win away to Albion.

Albion under-21s (from): Smith; Doherty; Barry, Hunt, Hutchinson, Pappoe, White, Muitt, Rea, Kandi, Tilley, Starkey, Barnett, Deen, Harris, Davis.