Adam Webster has been told he brings “personality on and off the pitch” as he prepares for a big defensive challenge at the Amex.

The centre-back is expected to skipper Albion against West Ham this evening (8pm, Sky Sports) and Manchester City in midweek in the absence of suspended Lewis Dunk.

Webster took the armband when Dunk was banned earlier in the season and again after his red card at Wolves last Sunday.

He has got up to speed again after missing eight matches with an ankle injury.

Head coach Graham Potter said: “He brings personality on and off the pitch.

“He was a miss but credit to the players - they found a solution.

“He is now trying to get up to speed in the Premier League and that’s not ideal because it is a brutal competition with attacking players.

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“Adam is finding his feet again and he will get better the longer he is on the pitch. He is one of those people that steps into that space that Dunky leaves and the captaincy because he does lead well.

“He has respect in the dressing room and he is an option for us.”

Joel Veltman (calf muscle) looks like missing the Hammers’ visit which would appear to leave a back three of Ben White, Webster and Dan Burn with decisions to make in the wing-back berths.