Albion will be careful with Tariq Lamptey as they continue their intense run of fixtures.

The teenage right-back continues to earn high praise after making his first Premier League start 17 days ago.

He has played in the last four matches, having had to wait five months for his chance.

Albion have been impressed by Lamptey both on and off the pitch.

Head coach Graham Potter said: “He’s a young guy so we have to be careful with him and watch him.

“You do not want to throw him in at the deep end, sink or swim type of thing, so we need to make sure that he is okay.

“He covers some ground at high speed, which has an implication in terms of recovery time, so that something we have to be wary of.”

Albion under-18s boss Mark Beard is believed to be interested in succeeding Sol Campbell as Southend United manager.

Beard, 45, had three stints as a player with Southend, who are preparing for life in League Two next season.