West Brom likely to keep hold of Jerome Thomas

Rovers boss and former Hawthorns coach Michael Appleton has admitted he retains an interest in the 29-year-old, who almost moved to Ewood Park on transfer deadline day.

But Baggies assistant boss Downing said: "Michael had the interest before deadline day so he's just continuing that.

"We have a squad of 19, 20, 21 players at the very most so from our point of view Jerome has been in and around the team.

"He was in the squad for Sunderland on Saturday but he was the 19th man.

"He was in the 18 at Liverpool and he played against Villa, so he's very much part of our plans here at this present time.

"It's a decision for Steve Clarke but, from the point of view of our squad size, Jerome is very much part of things here.

"Anything can happen over the next few weekends and we could be down to the bare bones.

"I wouldn't say it's 'highly unlikely' as it's Steve's decision but at the moment I would say Jerome is very much part of our squad, having had a part to play in recent times."

Thomas is likely to be in the matchday 18 at Chelsea on Saturday with Romelu Lukaku ineligible to face his parent club.

But the Baggies are hopeful that Shane Long will shake off the ankle injury that forced him off during the 2-1 win at home to Sunderland.

Downing said: "Shane hadn't trained up to yesterday. We will assess him later this week but the swelling had gone down quite a bit so we're hopeful.

"It's the early part of the week and it was precautionary. He should be back to normal by Thursday and Friday.

"It's not serious and we should be able to strap it up if necessary.

"We had some bumps and bruises on Monday and four or five didn't train.

"But we had a few back yesterday and we should be back to normal by the end of the week."