Blackwell hit by drugs test

Blackwell missed Friday night's 2-1 win at Reading after hurting an ankle in the home draw against Crystal Palace ten days earlier.

Coppell said: "He was drug tested after the Palace game.

"There was a period of about an hour and a half when we could not get any treatment to him, because he was enclosed in the doping control room.

"It is important to treat injuries straight away and the fact we couldn't get treatment to him has cost us a little bit.

"He went jogging on Friday but wasn't even close to playing against Reading. Hopefully he will be available for Preston on Saturday."

Coppell switched to a flat back four at Reading in the absence of Blackwell.

Graham Barrett, returning from Republic of Ireland duty, played on the right flank, where Coppell had seen him operate successfully on loan to Colchester from Arsenal last season.

Barrett was eventually replaced by Paul Kitson, who headed Albion's second goal on his latest comeback from injury.

Coppell said: "It's nice to have options. I decided weeks ago the way I wanted to play against Reading and even if Dean had been fit I would probably have played four at the back.

"Dean has done very well since playing on a regular basis and it would be ideal if he was 100 per cent fit with a few days training behind him.

"But with Paul Kitson being available and having made a contribution it gives you a more secure feeling about the squad.

"I hope it's not a full stop for Paul and that he can contribute for the remaining five games."

Albion's survival bid received a further boost on Saturday night when Walsall were beaten 2-1 at home by leaders Portsmouth.

That followed defeat for Grimsby at Leicester and only a point for Stoke against Gillingham.

The Seagulls are still fourth-bottom, two points ahead of Stoke, three clear of Grimsby and three behind Walsall, having played a match more than each of them.

More from the camp at thisisthealbion.co.uk