Ivory Coast international defender Abdoulaye Meite has given Tony Mowbray a massive defensive boost with the news his hamstring injury is not as bad as first feared. The burly former Bolton man limped off in the 27th minute at Stamford Bridge during Albion's Boxing Day 2-0 reverse against Chelsea.
It was feared that Meite has suffered a 'Grade A' hamstring injury which would have left him sidelined for up to six weeks, but after positive test results, the 28-year-old could now be back in contention for the visit of Middlesbrough.