CHRIS Brunt admits the return to first-team action of key players James Morrison and Jerome Thomas has given all the players a lift.

And the Baggies were also buoyed by Ishmael Miller's comeback from a month-long ankle injury in the reserves' ................................. at Walsall last night.

Morrison helped turn the game in Albion's favour in Saturday's 3-1 win over Derby in only his second substitute appearance after ten months on the sidelines with a heel injury.

And Thomas, who has scored seven league goals this term, was straight back into Roberto Di Matteo's starting XI against the Rams following a five-match ban.

"Touch wood, everybody is getting back to fitness at the right stage of the season for us," said Brunt.

"We saw Mozza getting more game time under his belt and Ish is not far away either so that can only be positive for us.

"Mozza is a good footballer.

"He's been out for a long time and it's going to take him a while to get into the swing of things.

"But he looked more comfortable on Saturday even compared to last Wednesday and that's credit to him.

"I don't think we can ask too much from him too soon but it's good just to have him in and around the squad again to come off the bench like he did on Saturday.

"He is an experienced player and he gives a lift around the stadium and around all the lads as well."

The Northern Ireland international, who is looking to shake off a calf strain in time for Saturday's trip to QPR, added: "It's good to have as many good players as possible.

"Jerome has been out for a while through suspension and it's nice to have him out there.

"He is going to be a big player for us in the run-in."