Albion have started the countdown to “eight huge games” in the quest to stay up.

And they hope to have more defensive options for the tests ahead.

Graham Potter has praised the efforts of those who have held the fort at the back, be they established defenders or stand-ins out wide.

Albion are looking towards next Monday’s home game against Everton, for whom James Rodriguez made a goalscoring return from a calf injury last night.

The Colombia star had missed four games but played the first 78 minutes against Crystal Palace, who fought back to claim a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park after his departure.

Potter said: “We have essentially got three defenders.

“We have played the last two-and-a-half games with three defenders.

“The way the boys have managed that has been really good.”

Potter has used Pascal Gross and Jakub Moder as wing-backs in the last two games.

ALBION DEFENDER SCORES FIRST GOAL IN ENGLISH FOOTBALL

But a return for Dan Burn (hamstring) or Adam Webster (ankle) would increase options alongside the busy Lewis Dunk, Ben White and Joel Veltman.

Burn is thought to be the more likely to return.

Albion remain six points clear of the drop zone with a suerior goal difference.

Potter said: “We have got eight huge games left.

“We are in a good place in terms of performances and results have recently been really good so we need to carry that forward.”