Albion manager Mark McGhee today said he may look to sign a midfielder rather than a striker before next week's transfer deadline.

Richard Carpenter collected his ninth booking of the season at Port Vale last Saturday.

If he is cautioned again at home to Colchester tomorrow or in any other game up to Albion's visit to Blackpool on April 10 then he will be automatically suspended for two matches.

The threat is exacerbated by an injury to Carpenter's regular partner Charlie Oatway. He has worn heavy padding in the last two games to protect a broken right hand sustained in a training ground accident.

Australian Paul Reid has joined Albion on a two-match trial from Bradford.

He made his debut in the Reserves on Wednesday night and will play for them again next week.

McGhee revealed: "That is why we are having a look at the likes of Paul, to make sure we have enough cover. He did quite well the other night.

"If Richard gets booked there is nothing you can do about that. Charlie should really have his hand repaired but typically he is just getting on with it."

McGhee originally intended to utilise the last loan available to him before next Thursday's transfer deadline to re-sign striker Trevor Benjamin from Leicester.

"We expect Leicester will want to keep Trevor at this stage," McGhee said.