Boss Chris Hughton is singing the praises of Lewis Dunk as Albion's central defender prepares to tackle his pet club Chelsea.

The Dunk family dog is called Didier - after Chelsea legend Didier Drogba - and relatives will be out in force at Stamford Bridge tomorrow to roar Dunk on against the Premier League champions.

Hughton said: "He's been excellent for us. You always want to see in players the progress they can make. I've been here three years now and I've seen the progress and maturity in that period.

"He has been a mainstay for us this season. He will certainly be tested. there will be a lot of pressure on him with what they've got offensively but I am sure it's one he will thoroughly look forward to."

Dunk idolised Aston Villa's former Chelsea stalwart John Terry (below) when he was growing up.

The Argus: Hughton said: "I think there are similarities. John Terry was very much a mainstay in the Chelsea team, Lewis Dunk the same here.

"There are great examples of John's game that Lewis can learn from. Some of that, his maturity, has got better. His vocal leadership qualities can improve a little bit and they have.

"There is almost nobody better to look up to in that position."

Dunk's regular partner Shane Duffy is available to face Chelsea after serving a one-match suspension against Watford at the Amex on Saturday.

Alvaro Morata returns from a ban for Chelsea.