West Brom 28-year-old admits he deserves his spot, claims he can ‘stand out’ in C’Ship
West Brom star Kyle Bartley has claimed that he can one of the best defenders in the Championship if fully fit.
The 28-year-old has been a standout performer in the second tier in recent years, at spells with the Baggies and Leeds United.
He has formed a solid partnership with Semi Ajayi under Slaven Bilic, and faces strong competition from Ahmed Hegazi in the background.
Bartley insisted that he deserves his spot at the Hawthorns, and that his hard work off the pitch is finally paying off this season.
“If I’m playing in a position that I feel comfortable with and I’m healthy and at full fitness, I believe that I deserve a place in this team and I’ll stand out in this league,” he told the BBC.
“I’ve continued doing what I do and working hard off the pitch, so hopefully I can keep performing on the pitch.”
Despite Bartley and Ajayi both impressing, West Brom have still conceded 30 goals and struggle to keep clean sheets. Leeds, Brentford, and Nottingham Forest all have better records.
The only tally that counts though is the points column, and as long as the Baggies sit top – Bilic will be very happy with his squad.
Bartley has certainly done enough to keep his spot in the side, and will be vital to the Midlands club keeping up their promotion push in the second half of the season.
In other West Brom news, Peter Swan: West Brom would ‘guarantee promotion’ if they sign this 23-year-old