Albion winger Chris Brunt has challenged the club’s midfielders to recreate their free-scoring Championship form of two seasons ago to take pressure off the Hawthorns forwards.

The Northern Ireland winger believes goals from the middle could be a key factor in the Baggies reclaiming their Premier League status. Brunt and Robert Koren have already opened their account.

Both Koren and Zoltan Gera hit double figures in the Championship title triumph under Tony Mowbray with Brunt, Koren and James Morrison weighing in with vital goals.

Brunt said: “Last time in the Championship we had three strikers getting 15 or more goals each and a couple of midfield players hitting double figures.

“This time with Ishmael Miller out and Roman Bednar just getting back to fitness it’s going to be a tough ask.

“It’s going to have to be much more of a team effort this season.”