West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Mowbray is delighted to see Semi Ajayi return to action after the centre-back’s lengthy injury layoff.
Ajayi was sidelined for around four months after sustaining a hamstring injury in the Baggies Sky Bet Championship clash against Cardiff City last October.
The 31-year-old featured in the first half of Albion’s U-21 side 3-1 win over Newcastle United at the Solihull Moors’ Damson Park on Monday night.
Mowbray is expected to include the Nigerian in his squad for this weekend’s clash against Millwall with captain Kyle Bartley suspended for three games.
“They [Semi and Daryl] have been out on the training ground for a week or two, I just feel it was right they play in a game that is not overly controlled for them, where they have to be committed, not like in training where you have to be careful of team-mates,” Mowbray was quoted by Birmingham Live.
“I thought it was the next step for them to play close to half a game. I hope they feel it was a benefit. It was a benefit for me to watch the game. One to see they both got through no problem and two to see the young players at the club and keep an eye on them, see their development. I’m not sure it brings them to my mind for tomorrow’s game, but it’s one of the steps along the way to get back to contributing to the first team.
“Let’s see how they feel today. If they are fine, let them do a bit of training today, it’s getting them back in the routine and ready for senior football. With Semi, we have Millwall on the horizon, at six foot five he is someone in my mind to include him, bring him along and see if he can contribute. Every coach wants the full selection.
By Adeboye Amosu
