Carling Cup captain Steven Reid was today hailed as Albion secret’s weapon as the stand-in skipper prepares to lead the club into action at Leicester City.

Assistant manager Eddie Newton saluted the midfielder as the Baggies’ “father figure” as he geared up to lead out a team that could feature fit-again Ishmael Miller and Marek Cech.

Although the former Republic of Ireland international is yet to start a Premier League match, Newton revealed the temporary skipper’s key role in the club’s flying start to the Premier League season.

Newton said: “We’ve brought in experienced players like Pablo Ibanez and Reidy, who was with us last season on loan.

“He has been a good influence in the dressing room. He knows what it takes at this level, has got experience and is like a father figure.

“He won’t like me saying that but he is. Those are the kind of players we wanted to bring in – players who have an understanding of what this season is about. The younger players are benefitting.

“They have natural leaders around them who will help them and talk in their ear, calm them down or give them a kick up the backside if needed.”

Victory over Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side would carry the Baggies into their first League Cup quarter-final since 2003-04 and more than 3,200 fans will make the trip across the Midlands to roar on their side.

With several Premier League big-hitters already out of the competition, the draw could open up for Albion to go even further.

But Newton is demanding the players blot out thoughts of glory and focus on disposing of the Foxes.

He said: “I keep saying, and I’ll continue to say, it’s just one game at a time for us.

“It would be disrespectful to start looking towards the latter stages of the competition when, first and foremost, we have to play Leicester.

“Even if we get past Leicester, and that’s if, I’m sure there will be other good teams still involved.

“Leicester haven’t had the best of starts but I’ve seen some of their football and they haven’t capitalised when they’ve been on top in games.

“They’ve dominated possession without taking full advantage of those situations and have paid for it at the end of the game. They’re not as badly off as maybe everyone is suggesting.

“Sven’s come in and I’m sure he’ll steady the ship. He’s got a vast knowledge of the footballing world and I’m sure he’ll bring in players who will increase competition.

“I think Leicester will look at it as a big coup to get Sven.

“He’s a man of vast experience at all levels and brings so much to Leicester.”

Albion are set to ring the changes again from the team that beat Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, with Newton and boss Roberto Di Matteo keeping faith with the fringe players who carried them into the last 16.

They could also use the cup fixture to bring back Miller after two months out with an ankle problem, Cech after a similar spell on the sidelines with a broken foot, and former Leicester defender Joe Mattock after an Achilles injury.

Newton said: “Ishmael and Joe will play a part. It’s important for Ish that we look after him and build him up slowly, because he’s had such rotten luck with injuries.

“He understands that. We’ve had plenty of chats with him and he knows what he has to do.

“The medical team say he’s been working extremely hard to get back. He’s now training, is positive and, like any footballer, just wants to play games now.

“Marek’s been training and is looking very good. He’s a naturally fit boy so even though he’s had a long period out, he’s looking very sharp.

“I think our squad has coped very well. It seems like people have just stepped in and nothing’s changed.

“With no disrespect to the players they’ve replaced, it’s been quite seamless.

“It’s very positive for us that the players who have come in have understood the job they’ve got to do and their role within the team.”

Albion will take on a Leicester team at the start of a new era after Eriksson replaced Paulo Sousa.

And the former England manager has been impressed by Albion’s start to the season and the impact of boss Roberto Di Matteo.

Eriksson said: “I saw him when he played for Lazio and I was manager of Sampdoria and he was a great player.

“He did some great work last season to get them up but not only that they have done very well so far this season. The results against United and Arsenal are fantastic.

“If the league were to finish today they would be in Europe. They are the biggest surprise in the Premier League so far this season.”