Albion hope to see defender Jan Paul van Hecke back to face Aston Villa.

The Holland centre-back missed out at home to Crystal Palace with a hamstring injury.

That led to one of three eye-catching line-up changes by head coach Fabian Hurzeler.

Van Hecke’s issue was said to be “small” and his absence “precautionary”.

Albion go to Aston Villa on Wednesday followed by an FA Cup tie at Liverpool.

Harry Howell breaks forward (Image: Liz Finlayson)

Asked about van Hecke’s chance of playing at Villa, Hurzeler said: “I hope so, yes.”

Teenage wideman Harry Howell was given a first Premier League start and the 17-year-old earned applause at times for the way he protected possession and created space.

And Charalampos Kostoulas partnered Georginio Rutter in attack with Danny Welbeck coming off the bench.

Matt O’Riley made his return from loan at Marseille as one of five substitutions made during the second half.

Asked whether Albion could be sucked into a relegation battle, Hurzeler said: “I think it's not the moment to look like this.