And boss provides update on Morrison and Lescott
ALAN Irvine was delighted to see new recruits Brown Ideye and Jason Davidson get 90 minutes under their belts this week - as he looks to bolster his options for Saturday’s trip to Southampton (ko 3pm).
The duo were both unused substitutes in last weekend’s 2-2 opening-day draw with Sunderland.
And the Baggies boss watched them closely from the stands in Monday’s Barclays Under-21 Premier League 2-1 derby win over Wolves.
Gareth McAuley also played the full game as the third of Albion’s permitted three over-age players.
Meanwhile James Morrison is back in training, with Joleon Lescott hoping to return to the practice pitch at the end of the week.
“James has trained again but we felt he was the least ready for Monday’s game,” said Irvine.
“Unfortunately the rules at Under-21 level mean you can only play three over-age players and one over-age goalkeeper so what we did was pick out the three who we felt were closest, being Brown, Jason and Gareth.
“It would have been nice to put James on the bench but we couldn't do it. He's getting closer.
“I'm hoping he will get some football soon.
“Joleon is still injured. We hope he'll join us at the end of this week.
“Brown needed Monday's game.
“It's always difficult to assess senior players in Under-21 games, even psychologically it can be difficult to do that.
“He's getting closer but he definitely needed the game.
“Understandably he's not where the rest of the boys are at the moment.”