The long wait could be over at last for Will Hoskins.

Gus Poyet's first signing of the summer, fitness permitting, is on course for his full home debut for Albion against Nottingham Forest at The Amex tomorrow.

Injury problems have interrupted Hoskins' involvement since his move from Bristol Rovers but they have not dented Poyet's faith in his ability to add something extra to the side.

The Uruguayan abandoned one of the golden rules of management - never change a winning team - by handing Hoskins only his second start for the club at Derby County on Tuesday following last Saturday's 2-1 home victory against Coventry City.

The remit for Hoskins, together with the recalled Ashley Barnes, was not only to provide support for Craig Mackail-Smith but to occupy the fullbacks as well.

A 1-0 victory and an end to Mackail-Smith's goal famine vindicated the tactical adjustment. It also, Hoskins hopes, signalled a turning point in the stuttering, spluttering start to his Albion career.

"It's been frustrating obviously with the injuries," he said. "It was good to get out there and be given the start after winning at the weekend. It shows the gaffer has got a lot of trust in me.

"It was a tough game, a big ask, to do the fullbacks and stuff but I loved it. I'm a happy person if I'm playing."

See the full story in today's Argus