Albion manager Mark McGhee today challenged Maheta Molango to "toughen up".

The Swiss-born striker is back in the squad for Saturday's trip to Crewe after six weeks in the wilderness.

Molango is likely to be on the bench at Gresty Road as cover with Chris McPhee ruled out by a foot injury.

McGhee wants the 22-year-old, on target after only 12 seconds in Albion's opening day defeat at Reading, to become more hardened to the rough and tumble of English football.

"Chris's injury opens the door again for Maheta, there is absolutely no doubt about that," McGhee said. "He is the next in line.

"He has showed some brilliance and he can also be very frustrating. We have to continue to work hard with him and he must toughen up.

"Even in training he gets bumped and knocked over, sometimes marginal fouls which you don't get, but he stops and is surprised. We have got to knock that out of him."

McGhee is confident that Molango, signed on a three-year contract after spells in Germany and Spain, will prove himself once he adapts to the English game.

"We are not disappointed that we have signed Maheta," McGhee said. "We still think he has got a lot to offer and he will come to terms with it eventually."