Callum McManaman is ready to fight for his Baggies place

Callum McManaman hopes to be back for Albion's trip to Sunderland this Saturday after playing 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley yesterday.

The 24-year-old winger has been out since the end of January with damaged ankle ligaments, but he completed one half in yesterday's goalless draw with the Clarets at the Baggies training ground.

"It was my first game back and I felt good," said the former Wigan man. "I've trained for just under a week and it's going well.

"I could have played longer – I played the opening 45 minutes and I did a four-on-four in the morning so it was probably the equivalent of a full game.

"I hope to be back for the weekend, certainly for the bench. It was my left ankle ligaments but I've done them before so I know how to deal with it and how to get

back."

McManaman was unable to break into the first team before his injury, and was restricted to cameo appearances from the bench by boss Tony Pulis.

He played a part in each of the first five Premier League matches of the season but only featured in six of the 18 games after that before picking up an injury in training.

But he's hoping for more opportunities on the pitch as the season draws to a close.

With Albion already all-but guaranteed to survive, the man from Merseyside reckons it's the ideal time to return from injury.

"It's a good period to come back, there is less pressure on us," he added. "I want to prove myself if I get the chance. It would be great to have a good end to the season – there are still many more points for us to play for."

Several other first-team fringe players not away on international duty had a much-needed run out against Burnley. Sebastien Pocognoli, Sandro, Alex Pritchard, Rickie Lambert, Victor Anichebe and Boaz Myhill all completed 45 minutes in the game.

The rest of the team was made up of under-21 and academy players.