Skipper Brunt back to boost Baggies

Brunt resumed training yesterday after missing the games against Hull and Villa with a hamstring injury and looks set to be in the squad to face Rangers.

And Irvine is hopeful that striker Anichebe can shake off the latest recurrence of his groin problem to train tomorrow ahead of the meeting with Harry Redknapp's strugglers.

"Victor is training with the physios," said Irvine. "He hasn't joined in the sessions with the rest of the lads but hopefully he will do that on Thursday.

"Brunty trained yesterday. Jonas Olsson (Achilles) is still out and Georgios Samaras is back in Greece for a family matter.

I would expect him back for the weekend."

Brunt is likely to be among the substitutes at Loftus Road, but Irvine is delighted to have his skipper back and is keen to have Anichebe available too.

He said: "We're going into a period that will really stretch the squad. With Brunty coming back things are beginning to look a bit healthier. I definitely want Victor available because he's a big player for us.

"It was disappointing not to have him at the weekend."

And Irvine admitted his players have an extra spring in their step after winning Saturday's derby.

"It makes everybody feel better," he said. "The spirit has been good and it's not been a place that's had the feeling of doom and gloom but it is always a lot better when you get a win.

"That goes for the staff, the players and the fans and that is probably a little bit extra with the significance of the game."