Chris Brunt to return for Queens Park Rangers trip

West Bromwich Albion head coach Alan Irvine has admitted that the return of midfielder Chris Brunt will boost his squad heading into the Christmas period.

A hamstring problem kept the Baggies' captain out of his team's 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at the weekend, but ahead of Saturday's fixture with Queens Park Rangers, Irvine has revealed that he is delighted to have more numbers available to him for the trip to Loftus Road.

The 56-year-old is quoted by the Express & Star as saying: "We're going into a period that will really stretch the squad. With Brunty coming back, things are beginning to look a bit healthier."

West Brom currently sit in 14th place in the Premier League table, just three points above the relegation zone.