MICHAEL Appleton has backed new signing Andy Slory to fill the void left by the suspended Jerome Thomas.

Thomas picked up his second straight red card of the season in stoppage time of Saturday's 1-0 win at Plymouth and is now banned for the next four games against Scunthorpe, Reading, Cardiff and Bristol City.

That could pave the way for Dutch winger Slory to make his full Albion debut in tomorrow's home clash with the Iron (ko 7.45pm), after two substitute appearances.

"I think he can make an impact," said the Baggies' first-team coach, who will also be without injured duo Ishmael Miller (ankle) and Marek Cech (hamstring).

"From what I have seen of him in training so far and watching him before we signed him, he is an exciting player with pace.

"He likes to get at people and is really direct, very similar to Jerome.

"And I think the change in formation over the last few weeks, having five in the middle of the park, has helped us a bit because we've got some quality players in the middle.

"If selected, he looks fit enough in training.

"We have been working very hard with him since he came in and he looks a naturally fit boy.

"There is not an ounce of fat on him and he is a powerful, explosive-type player.

"Even at his fittest he is someone whose stamina is not going to be his best attribute but he is an explosive player who can do things on the ball and get at people.

"He looks fit enough from my point of view."

Roberto Di Matteo made four changes - one enforced - to his side against the Pilgrims and Appleton admits competition for places is fierce ahead of United's visit.

"Competition for places is really important, especially at this time of year, because we're going into a period where we've got a game every three or four days," he added.

"As a coaching staff we had no doubts that the boys who came in on Saturday would do themselves the world of good and they did.

"They played ever so well and they gave the manager something to think about tomorrow.

"We've got a situation now where we've got 17 or 18 players who are all fighting for 11 places, which is certainly a better headache to have than not having players to select.

"The lads are looking forward to games at the minute and they've got a look in their eye, which helps.

"It helps us that the game is at home because we've got another two or three weeks of being on the road with the next three games.

"The lads have got a look in their eye at the moment because they are six games unbeaten.

"People might be looking at us to slip up but the lads are looking focussed.

"It's really healthy for the squad."

Appleton also revealed James Morrison (heel) is still on the road to recovery but is not likely to be involved in the next four games.

"We've got to be patient with Mozza," he said.

"He has been out for so long that we don't want to put any expectations on the boy.

"We would rather him come back into a healthier situation with bodies around the place.

"From my point of view he is a fantastic player.

"Everybody saw what he did last season in the Premier League and they are desperate to see him back.

"But if we start rushing the boy back, that's when you start having problems.

"Patience is the key with him."