Matt O’Riley’s positive mindset – and great work from Albion’s medical staff – have put the midfielder ahead of schedule in his return to fitness.

Now Fabian Huerzeler is looking forward to seeing the midfielder make a “real” debut after his move from Celtic.

O‘Riley has stepped up training after an ankle injury early in his first appearance against Crawley put his Albion career on hold.

While he is not expected to feature at Anfield, a return to first team action is not far way.

That was certainly the indication given by Huerzeler as he gave a positive update at his Thursday morning press conference.

The head coach said: “He’s mentally in a very strong shape, he's really looking forward to making his first real debut.

“I think the first one was really short, so he expected the next one to be a little bit longer and he worked hard in the rehab.

 

“He is a very good character, he was part of the group even when he was injured and he has getting integrated even when he was injured and that shows his great character.

“That's why we're really happy for him that it's going that fast, so also thanks to the medical team, for all the physios who worked really hard with him to make this comeback so quick.

“We're really looking forward to having him on the pitch.

“We didn't expect it that quickly, but we have great experts in our medical team, great experts with our physios.

“They do great work. They're very passionate in helping the players and I think that's so important to bring the players back as quickly as possible, and also to have a positive energy to make them positive in their rehab.

“That's why I'm very thankful for all of them and also the intrinsic motivation from the players.

“I said before Matt was positive on the first day. I think a lot of players when they when they suffer this injury, they need some time but immediately after surgery he had a very positive mindset.

“And, if you have this, then these comebacks are possible.”

Jack Hinshelwood could be a midfield option at Anfield after returning from a minor calf muscle issue.

Huerzeler is likely to restore Joel Veltman to the right-back role and Pervis Estupinan appears favourite to start on the left of defence.

Carlos Baleba, a key man in midfield this season, and Yasin Ayari were both rested in midweek when Albion played Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.