ALBION have handed experienced defender Tyrone Mears a short-term contract which will see the right-back make a debut in tonight’s Carabao Cup tie at The Hawthorns.

The Baggies face Mansfield Town in a second-round tie and while Head Coach Darren Moore is giving little away about his selection plans, he has confirmed Mears will feature.

Darren has turned to a former team-mate from his playing days at Derby after learning about his availability last week.

After a much-travelled career around English football, which saw Mears accrue great experience at Preston, West Ham, Derby, Burnley and Bolton, the Stockport-born 35-year-old has spent the last three years in the MLS with Seattle Sounders, Atlanta United and Minnesota United.

Darren explains: “We’re former team-mates at Derby and when I heard about his availability and looked at the situation we have in terms of the squad’s balance at the moment, it was a no-brainer for me.

“Tyrone has got a wealth of experience and is a very fit footballer. He totally understands the division we are in and I have no doubt about the job he will be able to do for us.

“The mere fact that he has been in the MLS for the past three years is testament to his condition because you have to be physically right to compete in that league.

“He’s got massive experience and I’m pleased to have him here.”

Tyrone has signed a rolling contract until January.