West Brom midfielder Alex Mowatt returned to Albion in the summer not knowing what might lie in store – but he is taking his chance

Alex Mowatt is relishing the prospect of continuing his recent excellent form in a derby-like environment when West Brom head to Birmingham City on Friday night. Midfielder Mowatt has dramatically transformed his Albion career in the space of a fortnight, having fully grasped the starting XI opportunity afforded to him by Carlos Corberan.

Mowatt, who spent last season out on loan at Middlesbrough, has sent big reminders in performances against Millwall, Preston and Sheffield Wednesday of his ability and how important he can be to this team. Indeed, he is now an undroppable, having spent the first weeks of the season having to settle for cameos while biding his time.

The Leeds United academy product has been an integral part of Albion’s recent upturn in form from his midfield vantage point and he is looking forward to the idea of the clash with similarly rejuvenated Blues as Albion hunt their third victory in seven days.

“Birmingham are doing well as well, I think it’ll be a good game, going into the international break and on a Friday night too, it’s exciting,” he said. “I wouldn’t say preparation is different, I think the games are always different [in derbies], there’s a lot more energy and tackles and things like that, and obviously the crowd as well.