ROBERTO Di Matteo is sweating on the fitness of Simon Cox ahead of Tuesday's home clash with Sheffield Wednesday (ko 3pm).

The Baggies striker was stretchered off with a badly bruised back following a stoppage-time collision with goalkeeper Carl Ikeme in today's 3-1 defeat at QPR.

A positive on an otherwise disappointing day saw James Morrison make his first start in almost 11 months as he stepped up his comeback from a long-term heel injury.

And Di Matteo was impressed by the Albion midfielder's display before he replaced him with the rested Graham Dorrans in the 68th minute at Loftus Road.

"Cox has got a badly bruised back and we're still assessing him, which we will do more tomorrow," said the Hawthorns boss.

"I think the goalkeeper came out for the ball and crashed into him.

"I thought Morrison was our best player when he was on the pitch.

"I didn't start with Dorrans because he has played nine games in 28 days and we've got a very busy schedule.

"We need to make sure all our players are okay for the run-in.

"Morrison was one of the most influential players in the game.

"He created chances and I thought he was good."

Di Matteo was also encouraged by the debut of new loan signing Steven Reid at right-back.

The Blackburn player only trained with the Baggies for the first time yesterday but was thrown straight in from the start and got 90 minutes under his belt.

"I thought he did well," the Albion chief added.

"It's always difficult to come in for your first game.

"He's an experienced player.

"He has played a lot of games in the Premier League.

"He's quite physical as well and can cover a number of positions."

PIC: (TOP RIGHT): TOUGH AT THE TOP...Cox gets a rough ride at Rangers; (ABOVE): UNDER STARTER'S ORDERS...Morrison fends off Hoops midfielder Mikele Leigertwood