Albion winger Juan Carlos Menseguez could get his first start against Sunderland after James Morrison was ruled out with a heel injury.

Morrison will miss the clash with the Black Cats and both he and manager Tony Mowbray have hinted his absence could open the door for Menseguez.

The Argentine has made just two substitute appearances since joining on loan from San Lorenzo in January but scored both goals in the reserves’ 2-2 draw at Chelsea on Monday.

Morrison said: “I’ve played through the injuries I have had this season.

“If I could play through this one I would but I need to slow down for a bit and get it right. We have a few players who could step into my boots.

“But Juan may have pushed himself into the forefront of the gaffer’s mind, with his two-goal performance in the reserves against a strong Chelsea side on Monday.”