GAETAN BONG has been warned he faces a fight to regain his place in Albion’s promotion push.

The former Cameroon international is available for tomorrow’s trip to Preston after coming through a run-out behind closed doors against Cardiff’s under-21s on Tuesday.

It was Bong’s first action since he was injured in the 0-0 draw against Preston at the Amex in October.

Fellow long-term injury victim Liam Rosenior has recovered sooner to grab the left-back spot for successive 4-0 wins against Bristol City and Leeds.

Manager Chris Hughton told The Argus: “It’s good to see that Gaetan has come through the game, is fit and available and pushing as hard as he can to get back in the team.

“There is no doubt that since he’s come back Liam has done very well. He’s been part of a team that has won the last two games very well.

“I thought when Gaetan got injured that was a big blow to us but then Liam came in and did very well in that position.

“It was probably an even bigger blow when he got injured, because that meant two left-backs out.

“They are both capable. Gaetan is a more natural left-back but Liam gives us a lot of experience and pace in that position.”

Rosenior’s former club Hull missed the chance to go to the top of the Championship last night when they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Birmingham.

Jon Toral’s first-half goal proved to be the difference between the two sides as Birmingham moved to within a point of a top-six place.