ROBERTO Di Matteo insists Robert Koren still has a part to play in Albion's promotion push after seeing him make his comeback from injury against Huddersfield on Saturday.
The Slovenia international had been sidelined for five weeks following a hernia operation.
But he came off the bench for the final 24 minutes at the Galpharm Stadium with the game goalless to help the Baggies earn a 2-0 third-round FA Cup victory.
"He has been out for quite a long spell so it was good to see him back," said Di Matteo.
"I put him on the pitch to give him a few minutes and he is another player who will be important for us.
"We have said from day one that everybody is important and we will need everybody.
"People who are not playing just have to believe they can get into the team and stay in.
"There will be a lot of opportunities in the second half of the season."
The Baggies boss was also delighted to see Shelton Martis grab his chance with both hands as he helped keep a clean-sheet on his first start in 14 games.
"I have been talking to Shelton and I told him to be ready because sooner or later he was going to get back into the team," Di Matteo added.
"And I was very pleased with his attitude and with the way he played.
"Everybody has a chance and that goes for everyone in the club and the squad.
"We have seen many times this season that when a player comes into the team and does particularly well he stays in the team."
