West Brom boss Tony Mowbray is hoping Jonathan Greening can help to steer the club to safety.
The Baggies skipper is back in action after spending almost six weeks on the sidelines with a medial ligament injury.
His presence has been sorely missed, with Mowbray's men unable to prise themselves off the foot of the Premier League table.
With time running out their cause is becoming increasingly desperate, with only 10 games remaining in which to secure their top flight status.
Mowbray believes Greening's return could be a turning point, though, with the former Manchester United and Middlesbrough man bringing vital experience to the fold.
"Greening was a huge loss for us. He has been one of our most consistent players for the two-and-a-half years I've been at the club," said the Baggies boss.
"He is undoubtedly our most influential footballer and has been since I first walked into the building.
"He is very integral to the way we ask the team to play and is a big personality as well. The team is stronger and better for having him back.
"It was frustrating for him, as well as us, because the ligament setback was the first serious injury of his career. He was a bit distraught about that.
"But he showed his commitment when on the sidelines by still coming to every game and travelling with the team to every match. He wanted to remain involved.
"That is the sort of character he is and it's good to have him back for the final part of the season."
Greening, who made his comeback in the 3-1 defeat by Arsenal, is desperate to make up for lost time and admits he will be doing all he can to help the club beat the drop.
Greening said: "It was gut-wrenching to be out for six weeks especially with all the important games we've had.
"It's been so frustrating to be stuck on the sidelines instead of playing a proper part in it all especially as results haven't been going our way.
"It's great to be back and fingers crossed I'll be okay from here to the end of the season especially with this two-week break to do more work and training in between the Arsenal and West Ham games.
"We all want to stay in this league."
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