Fabian Huerzeler is waiting to check on Kaoru Mitoma – after praising him as a “big team player”.

The winger had quite a brief outing for Japan in China yesterday as a 3-1 win eased them towards the next World Cup finals.

Huerzeler has been able to restore the partnership between Mitoma and Pervis Estupinan down his left flank and enjoys the way they work together.

Estupinan was in action for Ecuador in Colombia last night.

Mitoma went on after 65 minutes in China, where the match finished at about 2pm yesterday our time.

Both he and Estupinan started on the bench last time Albion played coming out of an international break, in the 1-0 win at Newcastle. Albion visit Bournemouth on Saturday.

Huerzeler said: “I always judge Kaoru by working defensively and how he helps Pervis to defend his side.

“I would be happy if he scores!

“I don’t judge him by making goals or assists, I judge him by how hard he is working for the team.

“He is a big team player and he tries everything for the success of the club.”

Mitoma’s fellow winger Yankuba Minteh has twice appeared for Gambia over the current international window after injury.

He played the first 64 minutes on Monday as his nation won 1-0 in Tunisia in the final game of their unsuccessful AFCON qualifying campaign.

Simon Adingra scored and impressed as Ivory Coast beat Chad 4-0.