Graham Potter says he has a lot to be optimistic about as his side prepare for 12 games which will shape their future.

Albion remain in the thick of the relegation battle after the 1-1 draw with Watford on Saturday.

They go into their first winter break winless in six matches, of which four have been against teams below them.

But comebacks against West Ham and Watford have kept them clear of the drop zone and denied rivals key points.

Potter says he has seen enough in those two matches to offer hope for the run-in.

The head coach said: “We have got 12 games and I don’t think we are far away. We need to keep working, keep pushing.

“I see a lot I am optimistic about. At the same time you know this league is relentless in terms of the opposition, in terms of the quality against you. You have to keep fighting.”

Potter expects the battle to avoid the bottom three to be intense. He added: “There is a lot of quality down there.

“There are no bad teams in the league, nobody really struggling.

“I know Norwich well from last year. They are a good team. Everyone down there can win, everybody is fighting for points.

“We can’t get too worried about that in terms of the table.”

Dale Stephens missed the Watford game with a tight hamstring but is expected to be available to face Sheffield United a week on Saturday