The West Bromwich Albion team that takes the field at Leyton Orient tonight will be a vision of the future as Bryan Robson is set to give debuts to at least three new players.

While Kevin Phillips - who signed for the club on Tuesday - will be no stranger to Albion supporters, having spent the last year with rivals Aston Villa and many more as a feared visitor to The Hawthorns, the same cannot be said for Paul McShane and Luke Steele.

The youngsters arrived in the Black Country as make-weights in the deal that took Tomasz Kuszczak to Manchester United and, having spent more time on the bench than your average magistrate, both are desperate to begin their Albion careers as soon as possible.

Robson yesterday revealed that he would bring all three into the squad for this evening's appointment at Brisbane Road and has already stressed his intention to make changes to a side which is unbeaten this season.

Phillips is almost certain to see some action with Nathan Ellington struggling to recover from the hamstring injury that curtailed his participation in the win over Colchester United last Saturday, although Stuart Nicholson could come into the reckoning after a midweek goal for the reserves.

McShane also has a strong chance, with Robson unlikely to risk centre-backs Chris Perry and Curtis Davies for a Carling Cup match that should be relatively straight-forward.

Only Steele will be left wondering whether he will see any action, with goalkeeping rival Pascal Zuberbuhler's recent performances suggesting he requires further lessons in his education about English football.

There will also be opportunities for back-up midfielders Darren Carter and Richard Chaplow, who need to make an impression at this early stage having been confined to the role of substitute in the first few weeks.

The two have made seven appearances between them but, with no starts this campaign, it is a formative one for both young men and Robson expects players in their situation to use tonight as an opportunity.

"It is a good chance for me to assess the lads who have been substitutes this season and who have come on and made an influence in certain games," Robson said.

"The younger ones like the Chaplows and the Carters will definitely get 90 minutes' football, as long as they are playing well.

"I am not taking Leyton Orient lightly by changing the team around, but the players have been proving when they have been coming on as subs that they could be challenging for a first-team spot.

"We need to assess whether we are good enough to beat Leyton Orient with those lads in the team. They have got a point to prove and that's why they'll go in."

He has to be cognisant of the risks of resting his stars, however. Plymouth Argyle, Coventry City, Stoke City, Nottingham Forest, Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace have perished at the hands of lower-league opposition in this competition.

Albion must be vigilant against a team that has won each of its' home games this term. "There can always be an upset in cup games," Robson said.

"The underdogs who have home advantage have a reasonable chance of beating the team that they are playing. That's up to us to make sure that we go in with a good attitude."

For his part, Phillips will be raring to kickstart his time at Albion. The former England striker was due to be part of the Villa team that played Reading last night but is ready to lead Albion's promotion charge.

He said: "When I look at West Brom's squad, you can see they've managed to keep hold of most of the players from last season.

"It's a strong squad. I feel the club has got an excellent chance of going straight back up this season.

"I spoke to Bryan Robson, who I have a lot of respect for, for a couple of hours. We had a good chat.

"He told me what he wants from me and the way the club is going forward. I'd like to be a part of that and can't wait to get amongst it now."