And on-loan striker aware he faces stiff competition
MATEJ Vydra admits he is raring to go after a frustrating spell on the sidelines due to injury.
The on-loan Udinese striker has been unavailable for first-team duty since suffering a hamstring problem in Albion's Capital One Cup victory over Newport County at the end of August.
But he got an hour under his belt and scored on his return to action in the Under-21s' 4-3 win at Reading eight days ago - and another 45 minutes in his legs in last week's training game with a young Derby team.
"Now I feel in perfect shape," said Vydra.
"The leg doesn't hurt and I'm ready.
"I played 60 minutes for the reserve team against Reading and even scored. Then another 45 minutes for the first team versus a youth side from Derby County.
"Everything was fine. I have been in training with the first team for quite some while already and endured the full burden without any problems."
Since Vydra suffered his injury the Baggies have boosted their attacking options further by signing Victor Anichebe, Stephane Sessegnon and Morgan Amalfitano before the transfer window closed.
And the Czech international, who fired 22 goals on loan at Watford last season, is aware of the competition for places, but is determined to catch Steve Clarke's eye.
He added: "You could expect new players would come because we did not have a good start to the season at all.
"Two new forwards arrived and Anelka is back. So, now we have about seven forwards and use two.
"I know I have to work hard to convince the head coach. Nobody can take a place in the XI for granted."