Semi Ajayi says he is looking forward to Saturday's Championship clash against Birmingham City at The Hawthorns.

Prior to the suspension of football in England, West Brom were second in the standings with 70 points, one less than table toppers Leeds United and the Nigeria international has been a key figure for the Baggies.

One of Ajayi's targets is to help West Brom achieve promotion to the English Premier League, which would be a remarkable journey for the central defender as he was playing in the third-tier three years ago.

"We’re all extremely excited for the game against Blues on Saturday," says Ajayi to West Brom's official website.

"It’s probably the longest I’ve ever gone without playing a competitive game. The summer break isn’t even this long. I’m looking forward to it massively.

"It helps that it’s a derby as well, our first game back. It’s a huge game and great opportunity for us to get our season back on track. We can’t wait.

"It means everything to get the opportunity to finish off the season.

"We’ve put in so much this season as a group and into being where we are in the table. The opportunity to finish the season and complete the job is massive for us all."

Ajayi has recorded five goals in 35 appearances in the Championship this term and missed only two games against Stoke City and Cardiff in January.

Igho Kingsley