West Brom have been boosted by the news that Dara O'Shea could make a welcome start against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.
The Lowdown: Baggies travel to Boro
The Baggies suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Luton Town on Saturday afternoon as their Championship promotion hopes took yet another hit.
Next up for Steve Bruce's side is Tuesday's trip to Teesside, with Boro currently sitting seventh in the table and three points clear of West Brom.
However, despite Albion's horrendous start to 2022 which has seen them slip to 11th, there could be one piece of very good news for The Hawthorns faithful ahead of tonight's clash.
The Latest: O'Shea could start
According to The Express & Star, Republic of Ireland international O'Shea is in line to start against Middlesbrough, which would come as a significant boost for the Baggies.
The 22-year-old hasn't started a game for West Brom since way back in August against Peterborough, having been sidelined with a serious ankle injury for almost six months, and he has featured for just five minutes since making his comeback as a late substitute against Sheffield United earlier this month.
The Verdict: Massive boost for Bruce
While West Brom may have to be patient with O'Shea in terms of him finding his best form again, his return to action is a huge positive between now and the end of the season.
The 22-year-old was a key figure for Albion before his injury setback, being hailed as 'really talented' by Richard Beale in the past and making 58 appearances for the club to date, starting regularly in the Premier League last season.
Despite not starting since August, the Irishman still has the best WhoScored performance average out of anyone in Bruce's current squad, his rating of 7.45 a sure sign of the value he brings to the team.
The hope is that O'Shea's return can help spark a resurgence in the coming months, as the Baggies hang on to their play-off chances after a woeful run. He should help to firm up a defence which has conceded eight goals in West Brom's last five outings.
In other news, three West Brom players struggled in the defeat to Luton. Find out who they are here.