ROBERTO Di Matteo has revealed he is considering handing Ishmael Miller his first start since returning from long-term injury.
The striker made five substitute appearances before his comeback from 13 months on the sidelines with knee ligament damage was halted by an ankle blow in the Baggies' 3-2 win at Blackpool last month.
But after two bench berths in the last six days Miller could make Albion's starting line-up against the same opposition tomorrow (ko 3pm).
"He just needs to work hard in training and get some minutes in the games," said the Baggies boss.
"I don't think he's ready yet to last 90 minutes but at some point I'd like to throw him into the cold water and start him.
"It's down to him.
"It depends how his attitude is and how much he wants to get that start."
Di Matteo admits it is a bonus that James Morrison has already got 222 minutes on the pitch in four games since his return from almost a year out with a heel problem.
"I am a little surprised by how many minutes Mozza has played since returning," he added.
"He's not 100 per cent match fit or on top of his form yet but just the fact he's in the team is important.
"With him the team always has a player who wants the ball and can create a chance for us or has the final pass.
"I think he will get better game after game.
"But we also have to monitor him because playing too many games in a short period of time might increase the risk of getting an injury."
