Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo has told his players they can still force their way into the Championship shake-up as they prepare for their final pre-season friendly.

The Baggies take on Italian side Chievo at The Hawthorns on Saturday, with the head coach revealing places are still up for grabs for the Championship opener against Newcastle a week later.

Di Matteo handed several fringe players starts against Swindon on Tuesday and he says he is still open to persuasion as he finalises his plans for the televised clash with the troubled Magpies.

He said: “I have a rough idea what our team is going to look like.

“But there are still a few positions open, so the players still have a chance to make an impression and show they want to be part of the team.”

Di Matteo is still looking to strengthen his squad for the new season but will give the Albion players every chance.

He said: “I like to train with the players I inherit. If I can make a few changes, I will. If I feel the team needs different kinds of players, I will try to bring them in.

“I can’t guarantee new players before the start of the season, but we are working hard.”