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Cristian Gamboa in line for West Brom debut

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World Cup star Cristian Gamboa could make his West Brom debut tonight after being named in the squad for the Capital One Cup clash at home to Oxford.

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The Costa Rica international has been joined in Alan Irvine's squad by James Morrison.

Midfielder Morrison has yet to play for his new boss following injury.

Gamboa, who starred for his country in Brazil, signed for the Baggies on the eve of the new season but has missed the opening two Premier League games while catching up on fitness.

Latest signings Georgios Samaras and Silvestre Varela will not be involved as they continue fitness work while Joleon Lescott is still sidelined by a knee injury.

Sebastien Pocognoli (thigh) and Victor Anichebe (groin) are also missing tonight after both limped off at Southampton.

"Seb and Victor won't be involved but we're continuing to assess them in the hope they will be fit for the weekend," said the head coach, whose side travel to Swansea on Saturday.

Pocognoli's absence is likely to mean a first start at left-back for Australia international Jason Davidson.

The Baggies will target a place in round three at the expense of former Hawthorns favourite Michael Appleton's Oxford and Irvine insists he will take the competition seriously.

The Baggies head coach watched Oxford in their 1-0 defeat at Morecambe in League Two last week.

"A cup run is really important," said Irvine.

"I would like a cup run. I am sure that our fans would love a cup run and I am sure the board would love a cup run.

"We won't choose anyone for the sake of giving them a run-out.

I will only put people in who I think are able to play at a good level in the game.

"It would be disrespectful to Oxford and it is not going to be an easy game."