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Gareth McAuley back to boost Baggies' defence

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Gareth McAuley is poised to hand Albion a timely fitness boost after making a swift recovery from a calf strain.

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And boss Tony Pulis is hopeful of further good news as Albion look to seal a deal for striker Rickie Lambert by the weekend.

McAuley limped out of last weekend's 4-1 friendly win at Swindon but could feature tonight at Bristol Rovers.

With Craig Dawson out with a thigh strain, the McAuley's injury left Pulis worryingly short in recognised defenders.

But the arrival of James Chester from Hull on Wednesday and the 35-year-old centre-back's swift recovery means the Baggies are set to have strong competition for places ahead of the Premier League opener against Manchester City on August 10.

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Discussions between Albion and Liverpool over the future of 33-year-old Lambert were today ongoing.

A fee is yet to be agreed with Liverpool keen to recoup as much of the £4.5million fee paid to bring the forward from Southampton 12 months ago. Albion's valuation is thought to be around the £3million mark.

Tottenham were yesterday reported to have entered the race but Lambert would likely see far more playing time at Albion.