‘Big boost’ – Kevin Phillips discusses Dara O’Shea return for 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 believes West Brom have been given a ‘big boost’ as Dara O’Shea is nearing a return to first-team action after six months out.
The Irish defender picked up a fracture ankle on international duty and hadn’t played for the Baggies since August before a five minute substitute appearance v Sheffield United, as the club have struggled during the Championship season.
But as Steve Bruce looks for a first win as manager, Phillips believes that the consistency O’Shea brings is exactly the type of thing the gaffer will be looking to get into his team.
“Yeah 100% [it’s a boost],” he told West Brom News exclusively..
“We know how consistent he was and what a good player he was and what a big miss.
“I know it’s been a long time but it doesn’t seem that long that he’s been out so it’s flown around, he’s come back so lets hope he comes back and can be the same player he was before he got injured because we know he’s a good player.
“Very consistent and that’s what you look for in your players, is consistency. He’s certainly a player that can do that so yeah that’ll be a big boost for Steve Bruce.”
Reports suggest that O’Shea could make a return to the starting lineup for Tuesday’s clash against Middlesbrough, with the gap between West Brom and the playoffs growing with every bad result.
The 22-year-old managed two goals in his five appearances this season prior to his injury and defended brilliantly, so if the club can get him back to the pre-injury form they could solve their recent defensive woes.
In other West Brom news, Long-term injured key West Brom ace could start v Middlesbrough – report