West Brom boss James Shan playing a waiting game with Matt Phillips

Phillips has impressed off the bench in each of the last four games, but is yet to make a start since returning from his ankle injury.

Supporters have been calling for the 28-year-old to be reinstated into the starting line-up, but Shan revealed the minutes he’s drip-fed Phillips have been part of a deliberate plan.

“Any player that comes back from injury, it’s important you don’t just throw them straight back in, that’s when players break down,” said Shan.

“It’s a sensible conversation between myself and the medical staff, Nick Davies as the lead sports scientist, to make sure we ramp Matty back up accordingly so we don’t over or under cook him. We want to make sure we can get the best version of Matty Phillips for that play-off push.”

Shan hasn’t wanted to risk Phillips from the off so far, but there is a chance he could start against Derby County this Sunday after an eight-day gap in between games.

“It’s far more suited that we play Saturday then Sunday as opposed to Friday then Monday (like Easter),” said Shan.

“It’s important to get that volume (in training) during the week.

“When you’re playing three games a week, you just can’t do that, you don’t have a chance.

“The benefit of having the game on Sunday is it’s given us another eight days to get volume into Matty.”

After nearly eight weeks as caretaker boss, Shan is getting used to being in charge.

“It did very quickly because it’s what I’m used to,” said Shan, who used to be under-23s boss.

“Being asked to go and speak to the board, you think it will only be 20 minutes, but it ends up being an hour-and-a-half. That’s becoming more normal.

“The football aspect of it, it’s planning and preparing training sessions, it’s managing people, it’s game planning and prepping, it’s matchday delivery.

“I’ve done that for 18 years, albeit at a much lower, unpressured environment. I keep saying, I’m thoroughly enjoying the experience.”