Carlos Corberan admits he struggles to enjoy the work he's so engrossed in - unless West Brom are able to pick up a positive result on the weekend and his efforts in the week are suitably rewarded. The Spaniard saw his side dominate Southampton, even in defeat, before the international break and found little to be enthusiastic about in the immediate aftermath.

"It's no fun, the work, to be honest! You find more responsibility and concentration...you just live when you are watching your team play and enjoy after the game if the team has performed well and the consequence of that to achieve a good result," Corberan said.

"It's true I arrived in the club in a very challenging situation, I remember after the first game what was our position in the table, that's why it has been impossible for me to relax in any type of situation.

"It would be impossible even if you were in a perfect position in the table because in football every week it's a very big challenge, but more than fun, you are pleased when your team are doing well and winning games and giving our fans the thing we want to give - and of course you are not as pleased with yourself and the team when things don't work out."

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Hef's Man City trip

Albion first-team coach Michael Hefele has graduated as a Master of Science in Sports Directorship. 'Hef' shared with his social media followers the news during this international break, pictured outside of Manchester City's Etihad Stadium, and revealed that he has been studying for the last two years - a period that pre-dates his Albion arrival.

Hefele, the former Huddersfield Town and Nottingham Forest defender, reunited with Corberan at Albion a little under a year ago after working as a coach and ambassador with the Terriers. In the meantime, alongside his coaching duties, he has managed to achieve a Merit in his chosen field. Club captain Jed Wallace was among those to congratulate Hefele.

"For the last two years, I have dedicated myself to my personal development and greater understanding of elite sports organisations," he posted. "It is essential to me to keep growing and never stop learning, even after my retirement. I am happy to have achieved my MSc in Sports Directorship with Merit.

"The knowledge, invaluable insights and mentorship of the VSI Executive Education course helped shape my vision and see the bigger picture of sporting organisations. A special thanks to my mentors and supporters throughout the journey!"

Injury boost

The lesser spotted Martin Kelly was welcomed back into first-team training this week by his teammates, who have long awaited his return. Former Liverpool and Crystal Palace defender Kelly has suffered a long-winded and punishing journey back to this point having suffered a serious knee injury back in January.

Having been loaned out to Wigan Athletic in the winter transfer window, having fallen down the pecking order under Corberan, Kelly was turning in a man of the match display when disaster struck in a goalless draw at Blackburn. He was shortly afterwards ruled out for the rest of the season and, until now, hasn't been available this campaign, either.

Still with some weeks to go, and likely under 21s minutes, before he might be considered for a place in the match-day squad, it's a significant step forward for Kelly, who applied himself earnestly when called upon by Steve Bruce and Richard Beale. His last run-out came in the FA Cup replay win over Chesterfield.

Even more hearteningly for Albion supporters who watched the club's social media video clip as the squad welcomed Kelly back, the likes of John Swift and Josh Maja also appear to be back in first-team training, as was the expectation in the second half of this international break.

What is Albion's strongest XI when every player is fit?