Albion coach Michael Appleton today backed key midfielder Graham Dorrans to cope with the Premier League spotlight after the Scot returned to action.

Dorrans was back in the Baggies’ starting line-up in the Carling Cup victory over Manchester City on Wednesday after time off on compassionate grounds.

And, with the star of last season’s Championship promotion showing signs of recapturing top form, Appleton is confident he can handle the extra pressure of operating in England’s top division.

“Dozza is such a quiet lad off the field,” said the former Hawthorns midfielder. “He doesn’t really get involved in all the hype that goes with being a Premier League player and potentially a big money signing.

“When all these nice things are said about him he just takes it in his stride because he just loves playing football.

“He comes in every day and is enthusiastic about his training and I have got no doubts he will cope with it.

“At the moment he will find himself in a stronger squad and that little bit of extra competition will help him as well.

“I have got no doubts whatsoever that Graham Dorrans will be a massive influence for us in the Premier League.”

Appleton is also keeping a close eye on another midfielder, Sam Mantom, as the Stourbridge teenager attempts to make his mark on the Baggies first team.

Mantom made his debut in the Carling Cup win at Leyton Orient and Albion are hopeful he can eventually make a permanent breakthrough into the senior ranks.

And Appleton believes Mantom’s summer spell with Haukar in Iceland’s top division has helped the 18-year-old get closer to first-team standards.

“I hope we send more players there,” said Appleton. “It’s something we’ve discussed in the past.

“And when you look how Sam has come on during pre-season and the start of the season, it has really worked for him.

“We really hope it will work for a few of the other boys as well.

“We’re finding now we’re getting more and more talent coming through the door into the academy.

“It’s just making sure we look after that middle group properly. We don’t want to see talent come into the club, be nurtured by us, and thenfind its way out of the club.

“We’ve got the first-team in a much stronger position now, with a stronger squad than we had two years ago and even three or four years ago.

“It makes it even more hard for the younger players. But going away has done Sam the power of good.”