Will Hoskins is winning his battle to be fit for action on the opening day.

Albion’s summer signing is recovering quickly from the hip injury which ruled him out against Tottenham.

He is now expected to challenge Ashley Barnes and Craig Mackail-Smith for a place up front against Doncaster on Saturday.

Boss Gus Poyet said: “Will has a big chance to be there. He has been outside running and doing movements, making sure he’s ready to train with the first team.

“That’s very good news for us.”

Albion worked at The Amex yesterday in readiness for their opening Championship tussle against an injury-ravaged Doncaster outfit.

Poyet added: “Everything is fine. We’re making sure we are ready, which means cutting out the mistakes and keep playing football.”

Hoskins’ recovery makes competition for places in what is now a 16-man squad even tougher for front players.