Defender Paul McShane was today set to hand Albion boss Tony Mowbray a fitness boost in time for Saturday’s clash with Coventry by returning to training.

The Republic of Ireland international, pictured, was rated as a major doubt for the visit of the Sky Blues after limping off at Barnsley last Sunday.

But Mowbray today hinted that the combative 20-year-old will be fit for the Midlands derby after being given the green light to resume training.

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Defender Paul McShane was today set to hand Albion boss Tony Mowbray a fitness boost in time for Saturday’s clash with Coventry by returning to training.

The Republic of Ireland international, pictured, was rated as a major doubt for the visit of the Sky Blues after limping off at Barnsley last Sunday.

But Mowbray today hinted that the combative 20-year-old will be fit for the Midlands derby after being given the green light to resume training.

“We hope Paul is training today,” said Mowbray. “He is a real warrior and if he is fit to train and play he will do so. After speaking to the physio there is a fair chance he will train.

“That said, we do need to look after him because he is one of those boys who will train with his leg hanging off.

“And if Paul is fit for this weekend there is a fair chance he will be in the team because he has done nothing wrong. He will probably partner Curtis Davies.”

McShane has been a big hit with The Hawthorns faithful since his summer move from Manchester United as part of the deal that took Tomasz Kuszczak the other way.

And, since returning to the side against Derby in place of Chris Perry, Mowbray believes his no-nonsense approach has helped the team.

“I’ve talked in the last few weeks about what the team was looking for and needed and Paul has brought a touch of that to the side,” said the Baggies boss. “It is his natural game and instinct to be competitive and hopefully it rubs off.

“We have plenty of very talented footballers who are exceptionally good when we have got the ball.

“Paul’s strengths are more destructive when we haven’t got it and hopefully a bit of that rubs off on other areas of the field.”

Mowbray today dampened speculation linking the Baggies with a January move for Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill.

Reports in Yorkshire yesterday insisted the Baggies were hot on the trail of the highly-rated shot-stopper, but Mowbray said: “I don’t know where it has come from.

“As far as I know, it is speculation. I haven’t seen Boaz Myhill play as a goal keeper. I think it’s unlikely.”