West Brom's Chris Brunt: I asked to face Stags

The club captain played 90 minutes in the game which the Baggies won 4-3 on Tuesday.

A Hal Robson-Kanu hat-trick and a goal from Kyle Edwards saw Albion to victory in front of a watching Slaven Bilic.

And Brunt, who is yet to start a league game this season, revealed he asked to play to maintain his match sharpness.

“It’s important to play games and keep your sharpness up when you aren’t involved in the starting XI on matchdays,” he said.

“We’ve got a really competitive squad here and we have some exceptional talent so everyone has to be patient when it comes to getting an opportunity.

“It’s no good being handed an opportunity if you aren’t going to be in the best physical condition to impress.

“I asked the manager and the staff if I could play in the game because I want to make sure I’m ready when called upon.

“I haven’t played too much this season and I saw the game as an opportunity to get some valuable minutes and sharpen up.”