Albion could come up against a former transfer target when they visit Championship leaders Derby County on Saturday.

Northern Ireland international winger Jamie Ward, sidelined since October by thigh trouble, makes his comeback for the Rams in the Under-21s against West Brom tomorrow.

First team coach Paul Simpson, speaking to Derby's official website, said: "He will play some part of the Under 21 game against West Bromwich Albion tomorrow afternoon and, if everything goes to plan, he will put himself into the reckoning for the weekend."

The Argus understands Ward was on Albion's target list during the permanent transfer window before signing a new contract.

Richard Keogh, Derby's captain and Republic of Ireland international centre-half, is a major doubt for Albion's visit after suffering a hamstring injury in the closing stages of Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Leeds United.

Central defender Zak Whitbread remains a casualty for the Rams with a nerve injury.