View: Steve Bruce could hinder the future West Brom career of Dara O’Shea
Steve Bruce could massively hinder West Brom defender Dara O’Shea but he doesn’t even care, after his latest admission.
Having just come back from a six-month spell on the sideline following his serious ankle injury, the Baggies boss deployed him at right-back against Middlesborough and Swansea.
Despite him being absolutely awful, Bruce made the decision to deputise him at right-back once again in Albion’s last game against Reading where he did better but looked far from comfortable.
After the game, the former Newcastle boss told Express & Star: “I believe he can play there comfortably. I think he struggled (against Middlesbrough and Swansea) because they were the first games he had played in six months.
“I take the responsibility of playing him there when I probably needed to play him at centre-back to ease him back in.
“But I’ve got no problem with him playing right-back.”
No brainer.
O’Shea already has a very difficult task in making his comeback after his horrendous injury. Not only has he barely played in months but the type of injury he suffered is one that will raise doubts in a footballer’s mind.
Many players have not come back the same after serious ankle injuries which makes his recovery so important – both physically and mentally.
The last thing he needs is a confidence knock due to being played out of position. The 23-year-old will already be struggling as he works his way back to his best but now he is playing in a different position – one he isn’t used to.
He is a lad with such a bright future and will undoubtedly work his way back to his best but Bruce desperately needs to help him.
It would be criminal to have the squad’s best defender struggling for both form and confidence ahead of next season when everyone being at their best from the off is vital.
In other West Brom news, Albion “won’t be popular” after Andy Carroll’s exit according to Chris Lepkowski.
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