Billy Jones coy on instant West Brom return

Albion defender Billy Jones today admitted he expects a frustrating wait to regain his starting place despite declaring himself ready to face Tottenham on Saturday.

Jones has been sidelined since tearing a hamstring against Fulham at The Hawthorns on February 22 but he made a successful return for the Baggies' Under-21s on Sunday.

However, the full-back believes boss Pepe Mel will keep faith with the experienced Steven Reid, who has helped Albion pick up seven points from their last four games to move five points clear of the relegation zone.

Jones said: "It will be difficult to get my place back.

"If I'm going to be perfectly honest then I don't expect the gaffer to change a winning team. That's very much a rule of football – if the team is winning then you don't change it.

"It's not just from the great win we got at Norwich at the weekend but having collected seven points in four games.

"We're very much a team in form at the moment.

"It's horrible when you're injured, it's the worst part of the job when you can't do anything to help the team and make a difference.

"But all you're hopeful of when you are injured is that the team do well and they've done that.

"I'm buzzing even though I'm injured. It puts you in a good mood when the lads come back and they've got great wins away.

"Reidy has been solid and consistent as always.

"You know what you're going to get with Reidy, he's a great pro, he's been spot on.

"I think that's why we've got such good results recently because, as an XI, we've been consistent and working hard for each other.

"I'm really looking forward to a positive end to the season now."

Jones is one of three first-team regulars who could return against Spurs, with captain Chris Brunt also making his comeback for the under-21s and midfielder Claudio Yacob pushing hard to be fit.

Jones said: "It was good to get a return ticked off.

"It gives me some peace of mind to be back on the pitch.

"In the eyes of the medical staff and in my own eyes I'm ready to be back involved with the first team, if selected.

"The plan was always to play an hour on Sunday.

"You can do plenty to recreate game scenarios on the training pitch but there's nothing like a game to give an injury a good test.

"Playing for the Under-21s is the next best thing to testing it in the first team and it's great to get that time on the pitch.

"I'm feeling good now and looking forward to being involved again."