Richard Carpenter today insisted he was fit and ready to return as Albion prepare to face QPR at Withdean on Saturday.

The experienced midfielder has been sidelined this season following a knee operation but came through a full 90 minutes for the Reserves in a 3-0 friendly defeat at Leyton Orient yesterday.

Carpenter, 31, said: "I'd played 90 minutes against Crawley and an hour against Worthing but felt I needed one more full 90 minutes to make sure I was match fit.

"Although it was disappointing to lose, it was a case of getting another full game under my belt. I feel better for it and, hopefully, can be in contention for a place in the first team squad again on Saturday. Hopefully I've got half-a-chance of selection.

"It has seemed like a long time but I've had a lot of support."

Midfielder Charlie Oatway felt no ill-effects after he was given a 45-minute run-out in his first action since tearing his hamstring in the opening-day defeat at Reading.

Oatway was a non-playing substitute for Tuesday night's home defeat by Wolves.

Albion physio Malcolm Stuart said: "Charlie's comeback was delayed because the healing process aggravated a nerve group which has given him bouts of sciatica.

"Although he's got a degree of discomfort, he's got full range of movement which is allowing him to play. He is back in the manager's care now.

"With Simon Rodger getting his first 45 minutes in a year, the news, injury-wise, is excellent."