Appleton keeps focus on Albion

The 35-year-old caretaker is keen to replace Roberto Di Matteo on a permanent basis, but former Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has emerged as a rival for the job. Hughton has held initial talks with the Baggies board, leaving Appleton to focus on Saturday's home game against fellow strugglers West Ham. And the Albion coach told the club website he is ready to upset the established order, saying: "I have been given the reins to make sure I get the team prepared for Saturday. "That basically gives me licence to pick the team I think can win the game and go on to do well for the club. "So that gives the players who have not been in the side an opportunity to get themselves either into the 11 or the 18. I will be big enough and brave enough to make that decision."