Semi Ajayi and Daryl Dike posted important checkpoints in their respective comebacks from injury on Monday night when running out for West Bromwich Albion's under 21s side - and Tony Mowbray has confirmed that both players have taken a significant step closer in becoming a viable first-team option again.

Dike played half an hour while Ajayi completed 45 minutes as Richard Beale's youngsters beat Newcastle United 3-1 at Solihull Moors' Damson Park on Monday; for Ajayi, it was his first competitive minutes since October after falling victim to a serious hamstring injury, while Dike hasn't played in 12 months because of respective Achilles and hamstring blows.

Mowbray watched on on Monday night as the pair came through their respective run-outs unscathed and, while Wednesday night's meeting with Blackburn Rovers will come too soon for the pair, the boss is minded to include Ajayi in the squad which travels to Millwall at the weekend - especially after losing vice captain Kyle Bartley to a three-match suspension.

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Dike, meanwhile, could be afforded more minutes when Albion's under 21s venture to Kidderminster to play Wolverhampton Wanderers at Aggborough on Monday evening in the Premier League 2.

"They've obviously been out on the training ground for a week or two, I just feel it was right they play in a game that is not overly controlled for them, where they have to be committed, not like in training where you have to be careful of team-mates," Mowbray said of Ajayi and Dike.

"I thought it was the next step for them to play close to half a game. I hope they feel it was a benefit. It was a benefit for me to watch the game. One to see they both got through no problem and two to see the young players at the club and keep an eye on them, see their development. I'm not sure it brings them to my mind for tomorrow's game, but it's one of the steps along the way to get back to contribute in the first team.

"Let's see how they feel today. If they are fine, let them do a bit of training today, it's getting them back in the routine and ready for senior football. With Semi, we have Millwall on the horizon, at six foot five he is someone in my mind to include him, bring him along and see if he can contribute. Every coach wants the full selection.

"We brought two strikers in on top of those we already have. I like the options. I say to the squad if you're on the bench you might finish on the pitch and if you're a striker hopefully you finish with a goal. I want to include them all. I'm delighted for those two."