Albion defender Neil Clement will step up his comeback from injury with a run-out in tonight’s reserve clash with Stoke.

Clement has not played a first-team game since April after undergoing surgery to cure a troublesome knee problem.

The former Chelsea man aborted a previous comeback attempt in September after appearing in a second-string Hawthorns draw with Walsall.

But Clement returned to full training last week and boss Tony Mowbray today confirmed he would play some part in tonight’s Aggborough meeting with the Potters.

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Albion defender Neil Clement will step up his comeback from injury with a run-out in tonight’s reserve clash with Stoke.

Clement has not played a first-team game since April after undergoing surgery to cure a troublesome knee problem.

The former Chelsea man aborted a previous comeback attempt in September after appearing in a second-string Hawthorns draw with Walsall.

But Clement returned to full training last week and boss Tony Mowbray today confirmed he would play some part in tonight’s Aggborough meeting with the Potters.

“The plan is for Neil to play 45 minutes tonight,” said Mowbray. “There is no rush to get him back into 90 minutes of football.

“He has only had a week or so training, so if he can ease his way into 45 minutes then great and then we can assess him.

“I wouldn’t envisage sending him out for the second half unless he is desperate to carry on. I would imagine he will get 45 minutes and then we will look to push him past that and build him up over the next few weeks.”

Mowbray is hopeful injured midfield trio Zoltan Gera (calf), Nigel Quashie (ankle) and Richard Chaplow (back) will all return to training this week with a view to facing Burnley this weekend.

There is a midfield slot up for grabs with Jonathan Greening ruled out with suspension after collecting his fifth booking of the season in the defeat by Norwich.

Mowbray has been impressed by Greening’s recent form, but stressed his absence presented an opportunity to other members of the squad.

“Jonathan has done exceptionally well and I have been very pleased with his contribution over the last month or so,” said Mowbray.

“He will be a loss, but that we need to hope there is some competition if the likes of Richard Chaplow, Nigel Quashie and Zoltan Gera get themselves fit because then we would have options.

“I thought last week we were close to having them all back and after another seven days I would certainly hope so.”