CHUBA Akpom can bring something “different” to Albion’s promotion challenge.

That is the message from boss Chris Hughton as he weighs up his strike options for the trip to Brentford.

Hughton started with goalscorer Tomer Hemed and Glenn Murray in Thursday’s defeat at Huddersfield.

Striker Sam Baldock is likely to return to the starting line-up, providing he recovers from a calf injury which has ruled him out of the last four matches.

Akpom is in contention as well against the first of his five loan clubs after his debut as a second -half substitute at Huddersfield.

Hughton told The Argus: “I think he’s different to what we have.

“In some ways, certaintly as regards his pace and running beyond, Sam Baldock would be the one who is more of a definite runner behind, because of the way he plays and his energy levels.

“Chuba is a big lad as well, so you’d like to think he has a physicality that comes with the division.

“If we can provide him with the ammunition I think he is somebody that can score goals.

“It’s tough to score goals in this division. There will be a lot of players that come in that will find that hard.

“Probably more important for us is his general contribution.

“If that can be good enough, I’m quite sure he’ll put goals on top of that.”

Hughton is sweating on Dale Stephens recovering from a minor injury which has sidelined him from the last two games to restore some midfield authority.