Exclusive: Kevin Phillips claims forward is nailed on to exit West Brom
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Kevin Phillips agrees that it is nailed-on that striker Charlie Austin will leave West Brom when the transfer window re-opens.
Last week, the 30-year-old told the Open Goal podcast that he would jump at the opportunity to move to Scotland if either Celtic or Rangers came calling.
Since joining the Baggies from Southampton in the summer, Austin has been among the goals but has failed to hold down a regular spot in Slaven Bilic’s starting line-up.
He’s scored nine goals in 30 appearances across all competitions but only 13 of those appearances have come as starts in the Championship.
Ex-West Brom striker Phillips believes that Austin could be frustrated with his lack of importance in Bilic’s squad and has tipped him to shine in Glasgow if he does head north of the border after his days in the Black Country are over.
When asked if it’s nailed on that Austin will leave The Hawthorns in the summer, Phillips told West Brom News: “Yeah. I would say so with that him coming out and saying that.
“With the season he’s had, that’s partly frustration over game-time and has been mainly used as a sub. He’s kept his head down and he’s probably got to the point now where you’re getting linked with a Rangers or Celtic, the player might have to come out and say something to force a move.
“Do I see him having a future at West Brom? I think either way it will be difficult for him to have a future there.
“I would imagine a move would be on the cards for Charlie once the season’s ended and if he gets into one of those two clubs, you could see him being a bit of a hit up there. You’ve seen what Jermain Defoe’s gone and done up there for Rangers.
“I’m not saying it will happen but I certainly see Charlie trying to move on.”
Austin may not have started many games for the Baggies this season but he has still popped up with some massive goals for the club in their bid for promotion.
He scored a last-minute winner from the penalty spot away at Preston, came off the bench to score twice in the 3-2 win at Birmingham and has also chipped in with key goals against Sheffield Wednesday and Wigan.
Since the start of February, Austin has only played more than 10 minutes in a match on one occasion but once the season is back on, you can guarantee he’ll have a role to play for Bilic.
In other West Brom news, Martin Tyler has shared what he likes about The Hawthorns.