Dale Stephens has revealed how a trip to Cardiff put him on tenterhooks.

Albion's midfield star had been missing for ten months with serious ankle damage.

He returned in a 0-0 draw in the Welsh capital in February 2015.

Stephens admitted: "When I came back from my long-term injury against Cardiff last year, it's probably the most nervous I've ever been, purely because I didn't know whether I'd be the same player again.

"You have all these doubts but thankfully I came through it okay."

Stephens has happier memories of tackling Cardiff than many of his team-mates. He scored in the 4-1 defeat in Wales last season.

He was also on target in the earlier 1-1 draw between the sides at the Amex.

Stephens makes his fifth start in succession alongside Steve Sidwell today in the central battleground.

It is his longest run in the side so far this season following injury niggles and the distraction of Burnley's persistent interest in signing him during the summer transfer window.