Johnson: "Having big name players means nothing. You have to be right mentally and I think Albion will be."

FORMER Baggie Andy Johnson believes Albion possess the mental toughness to cope with being tagged one of the promotion favourites.

But he returns to The Hawthorns with new club Leicester on Saturday (ko 3pm) hoping to upset the applecart on what is sure to be an emotional day for him.

The 32-year-old midfielder spent a rollercoaster five seasons at the Black Country club, winning two promotions, pulling off the 'Great Escape' and suffering two relegations before leaving in the summer.

And, although he is now a Fox, he insists his time with the Baggies will live long in his memory.

"The Albion game was the first one I looked for when the fixtures came out," said Johnson.

"I can't wait to get back to the place again.

"I've played for a few clubs but those few years at West Brom were a real rollercoaster - promotion, relegation, promotion, the Great Escape and then relegation.

"West Brom's a fantastic club with some great supporters and a great set of players.

"They're one of the favourites to win the league and I'm not surprised to be honest when you look at the players right through the squad.

"There aren't any weaknesses there.

"They have young players who are hungry and experienced lads who will give them something extra.

"You also have to give the club credit for keeping the squad together.

"It's a brave move in a way because it must be tempting to raise money through the sale of players.

"But they've kept hold of most of them and I think that gives them the advantage over most clubs this season.

"You look at the club, the fan base, the players, the stadium - it's got Premiership written all over it.

"I honestly think they'll be back there again next season.

Johnson: "People talk about yo-yo clubs but even with the players they have now I do think if they went back up they'd stay up and build on that."

"People talk about yo-yo clubs but even with the players they have now I do think if they went back up they'd stay up and build on that."

City, who are just one point behind Bryan Robson's side in the table and unbeaten in their last three league games, will be looking to underline their own Coca-Cola Championship credentials at The Hawthorns.

But if they are to take anything back to The Walkers Stadium, they will have to end the Baggies' 100 per cent home record.

Johnson added: "The one problem Albion will have this season is that everyone will want to beat them.

"If you look through that squad, it's all Premiership experience with several internationals.

"It's a big scalp for all clubs. I think the fans have to appreciate that.

"You're not going to see West Brom win every game even with the players they've got.

"Some teams will be looking at their game at The Hawthorns and going there with a nothing-to-lose attitude knowing they can create a shock.

"People talk about the gulf in the Premiership between the top and bottom clubs but it's just as big in this division.

"I'm not going to be disrespectful by naming clubs but there are some clubs who do have a lower league look about them.

"So when they play West Brom they'll be up for it more than any other game.

"That's a new challenge for the West Brom lads who were more used to being underdogs last year.

"Having big name players means nothing when you come up against teams like that.

"You have to be right mentally and I think Albion will be."

Johnson admits he will find it hard not to walk into the home dressing room when he returns with Rob Kelly's 12^th-placed team.

But, although he has some fond memories of his time at The Hawthorns, he will not be doing his old club any favours.

"I hope the lads don't expect me to use the away dressing room," he quipped.

"I'm going to change in the home dressing room and give the lads some stick!

"I have so many good memories but I think the two which stand out are the first promotion under Gary Megson and the Great Escape two seasons ago when nobody really gave us a chance.

"I've had some great times over my career, like travelling to Europe with Norwich and winning promotion with Forest.

"But my time at West Brom was the happiest and most settled I've been."

Johnson added: "I'm enjoying life at Leicester.

"We have a good young squad and I don't see why we can't make a push for the play-offs.

"There's a terrific bunch of lads at this club.

"We had a shaky start but that's happened in the past when I've been with West Brom and we've gone on to do well.

"Players are still getting to know each other and we'll get stronger and better.

"We're unbeaten in three league games now and want to make it four by getting something at The Hawthorns."