Andrew Crofts will play through the pain barrier for injury-plagued Albion after pulling out of the Wales squad.

The midfielder has made himself available for tomorrow night’s home game against Nottingham Forest, despite discomfort caused by a minor hip problem.

Crofts was initially named in the Wales squad announced yesterday morning for World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Belgium later this month.

He was withdrawn hours later, a move sanctioned by the Welsh Football Association.

Crofts was suspended for Macedonia’s visit to Cardiff next Friday night following bookings in each of his last two appearances for Wales last month.

He would have been available for the Belgium game in Brussels four days later, but Wales cannot qualify and they agreed to release him from international duty. Albion are confident the fortnight’s break from action will enable Crofts to recover for their next match after Forest’s visit at Yeovil on October 19.

Crofts’ availability for club duty is a big relief for head coach Oscar Garcia. His central midfield options have already been limited by long-term injuries to Andrea Orlandi and Liam Bridcutt.

Orlandi has targeted a November return after a knee operation. Bridcutt does not resume running until next week after aggravating a pubic bone injury during his recovery from hernia surgery and his return is still several weeks away.

Oscar used Bruno in midfield in last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Ipswich and in the first half of Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday at The Amex before reverting his fellow Spaniard to right-back in the second half.

Bruno is likely to remain at right-back against Forest. Skipper Gordon Greer said: “I think Bruno’s best position is a full-back.

“He has been doing really well in midfield, but it’s his best position. Having him there is more comfortable for him as well.”

Ashley Barnes takes over up front from top scorer Leo Ulloa, who is out for two months with a stress fracture of the left foot sustained against Sheffield.