Albion boss Steve Coppell insists he has no qualms about drafting in the oldest goalkeeper in the Football League for today's big game at Walsall.

Coppell says veteran keeper Dave Beasant's professionalism is second to none.

The 43-year-old signed on loan yesterday until the end of the season from Second Division leaders Wigan and will be thrust straight into the action at the Bescot Stadium.

Beasant solves Albion's goalkeeping crisis, with first-choice Michel Kuipers (thigh) and his replacement Ben Roberts (flu) both unfit.

Coppell said: "Dave has done it all. He's seen it, been there, had a fabulous career and yet he's still desperate to play football.

"When you've got those kind of characters in your club you know you're on the right lines."

Former Chelsea and Southampton goalkeeper Beasant has played in over 750 league games in a 24-year career, and Coppell added: "In Dave, you've got somebody you can trust, somebody whose knowledge you respect and somebody who still works amazingly hard."

Matchday coverage at thisisthealbion.co.uk