Albion derby latest

Beattie, back after Scotland's Euro 08 qualifying heartache, said: "I've been really looking forward to it. It is a massive game for us and a great occasion.

"Hopefully I'll play. I'd love to be involved and maybe nick a goal. Last season's five games against Wolves will count for nothing. It's the same with any team.

"Players come and players go and quite a few of the current squad have never experienced a Black Country derby. No two games are ever the same – let alone seasons. It will be a completely different game this time.

"But I'm hoping my 'Old Firm' derby experience will stand me in good stead."

He has played in one of the fiercest derbies. He said: "I've been lucky enough to be involved in four 'Old Firm' clashes in front of crowds of more than 50,000. And I think the Glasgow derby can be classed as one of the biggest in the world.

"Having experienced defeat twice and victory twice against Rangers with Celtic, no-one has to tell me how important Sunday's game is to Baggies fans."

Manager Tony Mowbray reported a clean bill of health among returning internationals and Chris Brunt must be a contender for a midfield berth although Mowbray will assess his recovery after his Northern Ireland Euro 08 dream ended with a 1-0 defeat by Spain.

Bostjan Cesar and Robert Koren both played 90 minutes in Slovenia's 2-0 defeat by Bulgaria that saw them finishing fifth in Group G, only ahead of Luxembourg.

Zoltan Gera was suspended – Albion fans won't worry about that – for Hungary's 2-1 defeat by Greece as they finished sixth in Group C.

Carl Hoefkens played no part in Belgium's 1-0 win in Azerbaijan as they sealed fifth place in Group A.

Meanwhile, Ishmael Miller was an unused substitute in England Under-21's 1-1 Euro 2009 qualifier in Portugal on Tuesday.