Albion defender Neil Clement returns to Black Country derby action tonight claiming he could have a crucial role to play in guiding the Baggies youngsters through the promotion race.

The Baggies’ longest-serving player is back and in form after 18 months of injury hell and a brief loan spell at Hull.

And he believes his experience of previous promotion battles could be vital in the remaining matches, starting at Molineux tonight.

“It’s never been dull here,” said Clement, who is in his eighth year at The Hawthorns.

“Every end of season there has been something to play for and it’s really exciting to be back and in the thick of it over again.

“I’ve had the experience of playing through these things now so it’s up to players like me to step up and stay calm under the pressure and help some of the younger lads through it if they need it.”

And Clement revealed he needs to help the Baggies clinch promotion to help ease the pain of their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Portsmouth at Wembley.

“I can’t remember ever being so disappointed after a game because you don’t get too many cracks at the FA Cup,” he said. “In spite of the defeat it was a great thing to be part of. After the game I went and stood out on the pitch and just had another look around and, when you do that, you just want to go and play there again.”