TOM SKELDING has been chosen as the man to deputise for Canadian international lock Tyler Hotson in Albion's trip to London Welsh tomorrow.

Hotson is one of just six players who have started each of Plymouth's 10 Championship matches so far this season.

But the 24-year-old is away on international duty for the next three weeks, so misses tomorrow's trip to the capital.

In his absence, summer signing Skelding has been handed the responsibility of wearing the number five shirt.

The former Exeter Chief has made five starts and five replacement appearances this season.

Skelding for Hotson is the one and only change Albion make from the side who suffered a 33-8 home defeat to Bristol last Saturday.

Chairman of rugby Graham Dawe said on Skelding's selection: "We had options and it was a tough call, but Tom has played well when he has come into the team.

"He played particularly well against Exeter and the Cornish Pirates. The place was his in waiting."

Albion had been sweating on the fitness of hooker James Owen for tomorrow's clash.

Owen injured his neck against Bristol last weekend and was unable to train the early part of the week.

However, he returned to training yesterday to give the club a boost.

"James has been given the all-clear and he is back training," confirmed Dawe.

Another selection boost for Albion is the return to training of flanker Darren Clayton.

Clayton has missed the Brickfields outfit's last two matches against Nottingham and Bristol after suffering a tissue tear in his left inner knee against his former club Coventry on October 23.

"Darren was given the all-clear on Tuesday and he trained for the first time on Wednesday," said Dawe.

"Providing he comes through training okay, he will be available for selection."

Centre Matt Hopper is also now fit enough to play again, but Albion have resisted calling him back into the first team for tomorrow's clash.

Hopper will, instead, gain some much needed game-time with the Devonport Warriors – Albion's development team – at London Scottish tomorrow (2.30pm).

Albion: K Hallett (capt), B Mercer, K Fisilau, S Tu'ipulotu, L Gibson, A Davies, R Cushion, M Rice, J Owen, R Hopkins, M Lewis, T Skelding, S-M Stephen, R Watts-Jones, K Marriott. Reps (from): M Lee, G Kingdom, D Morton, J Clark, D Porte, W Sprangle, D Clayton, J Waterhouse.