Jake Forster-Caskey is relishing the battle for his place after an unwanted mid-season break.

The midfielder belatedly joined Albion’s winning run as they beat Charlton.

And he is hoping a lay-off due to illness has helped reinvigorate him for the second half of the season.

Forster-Caskey, who missed wins at Fulham and Brentford, said: "It wasn’t exactly a holiday because I was ill, I had tonsillitis.

“But I feel like my body has recovered from the games and I felt a lot fresher.

“I came back into training on the Friday before the Brentford game but that was my first day back so I couldn’t be included in the squad.

“Last week I had a full week. I feel a lot fresher with a little time out.”

Only David Stockdale and Lewis Dunk have played more Championship minutes than Forster-Caskey this season.

The midfielder admitted it was tough to miss enjoyable victories but said: “Winning games is more important than me me being in the side.

“I just wanted to come back and carry that on. I’m glad we did.

“The gaffer has told us there is competition for places and the boys had done really well.

“I got an opportunity and I just wanted to show him what I can do and I wanted to carry on this run.”