Joleon Lescott makes West Brom comeback

Joleon Lescott today paved the way to a West Brom debut against former club Everton this weekend after an impressive return to action.

The 32-year-old England international, who has been dogged by knee and calf injuries in his early months at the club, excelled in a behind-closed-doors friendly yesterday against the club he rejected for Albion in the summer - fellow Premier League outfit Hull City.

Lescott has returned from a week in the United States where he has been working with fitness specialists who have served him well in the past.

And he completed the 90 minutes against a strong Tigers team.

Head coach Alan Irvine, who watched the game, was delighted with Lescott's progress which has thrown open the chance of a Baggies blooding against one of his old clubs, Everton, on Saturday.

"Joleon played the 90 minutes and played well – he looked good," said Irvine. "Now we'll see how he feels after the game but it was very encouraging.

"Now it's really important we do not rush him because that could lead to a setback.

"He's got to be right before we consider him for a first-team game but I'm sure he would love to play at the weekend.

"Certainly, the sooner we have Joleon and indeed all the other injury-affected players fit the better."

On that front, Sebastian Blanco managed a full 90 minutes and Cristian Gamboa 80 to step up their sharpness after interrupted pre-seasons.

Meanwhile, young midfielder Liam O'Neil's performance yesterday has left Irvine now anxious to find the academy graduate and Under 21s captain first-team football at a suitable League club.

"I was very pleased with a lot of our young players who featured – Liam did particularly well and now needs first-team football," added Irvine.

"We've got more experienced players ahead of him but he's one we have to be careful with because you don't want his levels to drop."

Albion are still awaiting a full assessment on Youssouf Mulumbu, who picked up a hamstring injury playing for DR Congo.

But their other returning internationals who are minor casualties – Ben Foster (thumb), Gareth McAuley (ankle) and Graham Dorrans (heel) – are all making progress and are expected to be in contention for the weekend.