Boss Chris Hughton has welcomed the return of Dale Stephens for Albion's visit to the club that wanted to sign him.

The midfielder is available for Saturday's visit to Burnley following a three-match ban for his red card at Cardiff.

Hughton said: "It's a big boost for us. Most know what he has meant to the team and the impact that he's had.

"Positional wise, he can play in a two or three in midfield and he's got some flexibility in his game so it's good to have him back.

"Particularly as over this Christmas period the games will come around and we'll possibly lose some through injury.

"When that is the case you are always delighted to bring somebody back."

Albion rejected multiple bids from Burnley for Stephens when they were in the Championship.

Steven Defour, the Belgian midfielder bought by Burnley when they failed to land Stephens, is being assessed after missing last night's defeat by Liverpool at Turf Moor.

Defour recently returned from long-term knee trouble.