Victor Anichebe has the backing of West Brom teammate Gareth McAuley to make his second start of the season against Stoke City though the Nigeria national - teamer is battling to be fit for the tie at The Hawthorns on Saturday.<br /><br />The 27 - year - old put up one of his best displays in a West Brom jersey in the 1 - 0 victory over Newcastle United on Monday night , with the Baggies faithful giving him a standing ovation when he was substituted two minutes from time.<br /><br />&ldquo;He was fantastic. We hope his hamstring injury isn&rsquo;t too bad, we could use him. We&rsquo;ve got a number of options up front and, obviously, it&rsquo;s been difficult for him to come in, &rdquo; McAuley was quoted as saying by <i>Express &amp; Star</i>.<br /><br />&ldquo;But with (Salomon) Rondon being suspended and the two games in 48 hours, the gaffer&rsquo;s freshened it up with Victor and what a performance he&rsquo;s put in.<br /><br />&ldquo;He&rsquo;s a little bit sore, so the medical people will look at that hopefully. There&rsquo;s a game just around the corner so, hopefully, we can wheel him out again.&rdquo; <br /><br />Anichebe, who starred for the Dream Team at the 2008 Olympic Games, has netted 9 goals for the Baggies since he joined the club from Everton in 2013.<br /><br />Photo Credit : wba.co.uk<br />