Albion ring changes in Carling Cup

Albion are set to ring the changes at Bournemouth - but assistant boss Michael Appleton insists they can still lift the Carling Cup.

The Baggies are expected to rest a host of senior players when they kick off their Carling Cup campaign in tonight's second round clash at Dean Court.

But Appleton is adamant they can improve on last season's quarter-final place and emulate Birmingham, who went on to win the trophy against Arsenal at Wembley.

He said: "I think you have to draw strength from what Birmingham did. It's an opportunity for clubs to not only enjoy the euphoria that comes from winning a trophy but also it is a way into Europe.

"I would be amazed if any team from the Premier League and a lot of the Championship sides don't make changes from the team that played on Saturday.

"And I would be very surprised if we're any different. You've got to get that balance right."

However, wholesale changes are expected from the team that lost at Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday with the likes of Jonas Olsson, Nicky Shorey, Chris Brunt and Shane Long all being considered for potential rests ahead of Sunday's Hawthorns clash with Stoke.

That could give the likes of Gareth McAuley, Billy Jones, Graham Dorrans and Simon Cox a chance to shine as Roy Hodgson's men look to progress to the third round.

And Jerome Thomas could make his comeback from a hip injury by playing a part in the game after sitting out the opening two Premier League fixtures.

The Baggies are still awaiting a decision from midfielder Owen Hargreaves on their contract offer but, contrary to reports elsewhere, Fulham's Chris Baird is not on their radar.