ROHAN INCE is poised to return to Championship contention for Albion at Derby County again.

The fringe midfielder is on standby to start Saturday’s opening fixture at Derby, where he made his last league appearance for the club in December.

Ince ended last season on loan at Fulham. The rangey 23-year-old is back in the frame for the time being, with Dale Stephens suspended for the trip to the iPro Stadium and his intended replacement Steve Sidwell sidelined from recent friendlies by a knee injury.

Ince took over from Stephens for the second half of Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by Lazio.

Manager Chris Hughton said: “Steve will be available. Rohan Ince, apart from one moment in the corner, did very well and he’s had a decent pre-season.

“He’s still young. He had a difficult period at Fulham but, ironically, when he got into the team there was when they had the results that turned their season around a little bit. We know what he is, somebody that has played a lot of games in this division, albeit before my time more in a (midfield) three.

“He’s one that has got to make sure he is pushing as hard as he can. A lack of confidence is just games. He had a period here where he was playing regularly and was on top of his game. It’s just trying to get that balance right with him.”

Ince’s hopes of more game time will be affected by the future of Burnley transfer target Stephens and the fitness of Irishman Richie Towell, sidelined throughout pre-season by knee trouble.

Albion have already loaned Jake Forster-Caskey out to Rotherham.