ROY Hodgson has conceded that Gabriel Tamas faces a tough task breaking back into the Albion side following a three-game ban.

The Romanian has returned to the fold after being hit with a retrospective violent conduct charge by the Football Association.

But Tamas is by no means assured of a first-team place.

Join Chris Lepkowski for a live West Bromwich Albion webchat at noon today. Click here to join in or to watch a replay of the chat

Hodgson brought in Craig Dawson for his Premier League debut against Swansea and although Albion were soundly beaten, the young defender impressed the boss.

Gareth McAuley was then given his chance in last Wednesday’s Carling Cup game at Everton.

The Northern Ireland international impressed so much that he kept his place for the visit of Fulham, with his performance earning him the sponsors’ man-of-the-match award. Hodgson said: “Both Dawson and McAuley have done well.

“Both had to wait for their chance because I was loyal and fair to the lads who played last year.

“But Gabriel lost his place to those two when he got sent off so I dare say it will be hard to leave McAuley out following his performance against Fulham when he was voted man of the match.