For John Hartson, a place in the West Bromwich Albion team for the match at home to Arsenal tonight would mean more than just a match against his former club, writes Gareth Parkes.

The Wales international striker is looking to revive a career at The Hawthorns that seemed to be stuttering in the wake of an ankle injury.

He had not scored since August but was successful from a penalty as Albion defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday. Suddenly, Hartson feels part of it again - just as Tony Mowbray is beginning a second week as manager.

"It was nice to get a run and a goal," Hartson said. "It was a great gesture from Joe [Diomansy Kamara] to let me take the penalty because he'd already scored a goal and won the penalty.

"I just wanted to get on the scoresheet because I feel I've been out of it over the last three or four weeks with my ankle injury and I'm just coming back to full fitness now.

"On the penalty, I just thought: 'I'm going to blast it'. I usually place them but I thought 'If the keeper's going to save it he's going to have to make a great save'. I got my head down, put it on the spot and just blasted it.

"It was a great gesture by Joe because if I'd have missed and they'd gone down the other end and scored, it could have been different."

After the uncertainty of the post-Bryan Robson era, when Albion spent a month under Nigel Pearson, optimism has reached new levels at The Hawthorns.

"I'm delighted for the supporters," Hartson said. "These games are all about the fans. It was the same with Celtic and Rangers and it was the same with Tottenham and Arsenal. They've waited a long time to play each other.

"I've been told from day one of coming here 'make sure you beat the Wolves'. I'm delighted for the supporters and players."