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Moore to make late fitness calls

Albion boss Darren Moore will assess his squad ahead of Saturday's FA Cup fourth-round trip to Brighton & Hove Albion.

After a hard-fought win at Bolton Wanderers on Monday night, a number of players picked up niggles and are fighting to be in contention for the FA Cup game.

And Moore suggests if some of his first-team players aren't completely fit, it opens the door for others to step in and prove their quality.

"We've got some strains, some knocks," said Darren.

"We'll look at them over the next 48 hours. If one or two don't make it then this is the opportunity for one or two to stake a claim.

"Ahmed Hegazi, Jay Rodriguez and Gareth Barry all picked up little strains and knocks the other night so we will have a look at them this morning (Thursday) and see how they fare."

The knocks picked up on Monday night add to three Albion players Darren is already unable to select, with Matt Phillips and James Morrison both out injured, while Jake Livermore is unavailable due to suspension.

Despite this, Albion's boss is feeling positive about the fixture and is pleased the Baggies will have a large support behind them on the south coast.

"I will look at the squad over the next few days, Matt Phillips and Mozza are the two that aren't in and around it," Darren added.

"We look forward to the game down there, we're taking a large following of away support again, so credit to you all, it is greatly felt.

"Special recognition again to the 900 or so supporters that travelled up to Bolton on a Monday night.

"Really good to come up there on a Monday night when people are working the next day and wouldn't have got back 'til the early hours of the morning.

"It's credit to them and that affects us going through because we're taking a large following away.

"Congratulations to everybody and we thank them all on behalf of myself and the players."

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