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Tamas, Valero and Dorrans futures in the spotlight

Although Albion are flying high and Tamas has made a great impression at the Hawthorns, Di Matteo is not guaranteeing that he will be making the loan a permanent deal.

“He’s been very good for us,” said the Albion manager.

“He’s brought a bit of experience, composure and calmness.

“He’s been a good loan player in that position for us.

“He played in the 2008 Euros for Romania and I saw him because they were in same group as Italy and France.

“I wasn’t particularly looking at him – but I do remember him.

“It’s too early to say whether we will sign him.

“We have an option and we’ll see towards the end of the season.

“We will sit down with his agent and see what we can do.”

There is of course no rush as Albion have an agreement to buy the player at the end of the season for £800,000 should they decide too, they have no need to rush and can have him if they want.

Di Matteo has also today spoken of Borja Valero and the possibility of him returning to the Hawthorns this summer.

The Midfielder returned to Real Mallorca for a season long loan and is having a great season, however, although Real have an option to buy the Albions most expensive ever player, they may not be able to raise the money. Di Matteo is well aware of how well Valero is playing this season, however, is also under no illusions that Spanish La Liga football probably suits him better than the English game.

“Borja is doing very well in Spain with Real Mallorca,” said Di Matteo.

“They’re in a great position.

“It’s a season-long loan so at the end of that we will sit down and have a discussion.

“Spanish football probably suits him a bit better than English football.

“I can see the qualities he has.

“It doesn’t surprise me that he’s doing so well in Spain because technically he’s a fine player.

“I’m not shutting the door on anybody.”

On the home front, however, 2nd best player outside of the Premiership, Graham Dorrans is considering his own options. He is not proven in the Premiership and says that he would rather prove himself at the higher level with the Albion. Thus suggesting that the young Scottish international will be with the Albion until at least the January transfer window should the Albion gain promotion.

Dorrans was just pipped to the post midweek in the FA player of the year awards, losing out to only Newcastle’s Kevin Nolan.

Bednar and Reid out of Swansea line up as Baggies reel from FA fine

Roman Bednar and Steven Reid are both injured and will be unavailable for tommorrows crunch trip to Swansea. Bednar who only returned from a 3 match injury break Saturday is now ruled out with a thigh injury and Reid has a groing problem.

Ishmael Miller who only recently returned from a 15 month absense due to injury picked up a hamstring problem during the Blackpool game, however , he has reacted well to the treatment and will be fit to face Swansea. The same is also said for Luke Moore who has made a recovery from illness which forced him out of the squad on Saturday.

Jerome Thomas who is suffering with a hamstring problem will not be ready in time for the trip to Swansea, however, Di Matteo is taking it all in his stride.

“The injury situation doesn’t get better, does it?” joked Di Matteo.

“You have a good weekend and think you’re looking good for the next game – and then you’re not!

“We’ve lost Steven from Saturday with a little groin problem while this morning Roman felt his quad so he won’t be available either.

“Jerome is also still out but Luke is a bit better from his flu while Ishmael, who got a kick to his hamstring, is recovering from his knock.

“But we’ll need to assess Ish.

“He’s been out for a long time and the same applies to Steven.

“Steven hasn’t played a lot of games in a short period for a long, long time. That goes for James Morrison too.

“All three of them are feeling the games because they’re not quite up to the tempo.

“I wish I could start Ish every game but we need to take all of these factors into consideration.”

The both teams have been fined for failing to control their players after a brawl at Home Park during February. The fine was £12,500 for both teams, however, £7,500 has been suspended until June next year. Should either team be charged with the same between now and then they will have to pay the other £7,500 plus suffer the consequences of the further breach.

Nouble Off whilst Koren and Barnes Speak out.

Roman Bednar is fighting hard to get fit in time for the visit of Blackpool to the Hawthorns, whilst Jerome Thomas is a major doubt with a hamstring injury suffered during the Owls game midweek.

Bednar has been missing from the Baggies team for 3 games with to a groin injury but could just make it to face Ian Holloway’s men if he comes through training tomorrow.

“We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see if Roman is okay,” said Di Matteo.

“If he is able to train with the team then we will include him for selection on Saturday.

“If he is not able to train then he will be out of the picture.

“Jerome Thomas is very doubtful for Saturday.

“I found out after the game he had a little problem.

“It’s not a bad injury, it’s a tight hamstring and we’ll see how it improves.”

Simon Cox is a better prognosis, he is now fit and available to play should he be called upon.

Frank Nouble has returned to West Ham after the Albion decided not to extend his loan any longer.

Giles Barnes spoke today of how he has called on his team mates to reproduce the battling sprit from the Owls victory and coast to promotion with ease.

“Everyone who comes to us has to be scrappy because they won’t beat us in a football game of out-passing us,” said Barnes.

“After about 60 to 70 minutes you know things can happen so it’s a case of riding the storm.

“I don’t think we should look at other teams, just keep getting win, win, win and not worry about other teams.

“Even when we go away people try to stop us playing football and get in our faces.

“But we proved on Tuesday we can get into people’s faces and battle.

“It’s was a massive win.

“It was massive for the whole club not just the head coach.

“If we can lock down that automatic spot then we’ll be happy.

“We have to get our professional head back on and be ready for Saturday.”

Robert Koren meanwhile issued a similiar statement when professing how he does not want to end up in the lottery of the play off’s.

Koren who scored a tremendous goal midweek to gain all 3 points for the Albion was at the club when they suffered defeat at the hands of Derby in the play off final at Wembley, he has no desire to suffer the stress or upset of that again.

“I was involved in the play-offs when I arrived at the club and my experience is not nice,” said Koren.

“I prefer the top two so hopefully we will get good results at the end of the season and stay out of the play-offs.

“The play-offs are very difficult and there is a lot of pressure on those games.

“I think we have enough quality to show in the last 11 games that we are good enough.

“We have done a great job so far and we need to stick together.

“We have our fans behind us and they are doing a great job, and on the field we have to play our part.

“Everybody needs to play a part and if we believe it as one, we can do it.”

Koren would like nothing better than to be travelling to the World Cup as a premiership player and thinks the return of long term injured players will bolster the Albion and help secure automatic promotion.

“That is one of the biggest things,” Koren added.

“We have a big squad now with good players and it’s good to see all of the injured players coming back.

“They are showing the right spirit and from the first one to the last one we need to look like a team together.

“From the first to the last everybody has to stick together as a team.

“It’s not about personal things, it doesn’t matter who is playing, we need to stick together, get the right results and reach first or second place at the end of the season.”

Dorran’s Starts for Scotland

Young Graham Dorrans gets a place in the starting line up for Craig Levein tonight.

Hampden Park is the venue for a visit from the Czech Republic tonight for the Scotland friendly game.

James McFadden has an injured groin and failed a fitness test today so the Baggies starlet comes in to replace him, joining Kenny Miller up front.

Dorrans who is the centre of a transfer frenzy beginning to bubble over, starts a Full Scotland game for the first time.

With some of the big Premier clubs openly tracking him, it seems likely that even if the Albion gain promotion, that it may not be possible to hold on to him. Arsenal are suggested to be ready to table a £6 million pound bid, with Manchester City, Aston Villa and Sunderland all showing much interest. All this after the Albion added a year to his contract this season, putting him under contract to the club for the best part of 5 years.

The youngster has up until now been tight lipped about the rumours, his form certainly has not been affected by it.

Morrison Could Return Tonight For Reading Game

After a ten month break due to injury James Morrison may make a return tonight in the Reading Cup Replay. The midfielder may get a bit part in tonight’s game after the heel problem injury problem seems to be coming to an end.

Having played an hour on Monday in a training match against Wrexham he is ready to go and glad to be so.

“I have been looking forward to this time,” said Morrison.

“I got a good hour under my belt and everything felt good.

“I was buzzing after the game.

“I felt great yesterday. I surprised myself.

“I thought I might feel a bit stiff but everything was fine.

“The training game was organised last week.

“I was going to play last Wednesday but we decided against it and I got a game in on Monday, so I am pleased with the game and thankful to Wrexham for playing.

“I am quite close. I have played an hour and I’ve been training for nearly two weeks now so I feel good and there is no reason why I can’t feel part of the squad now.

“After Monday I feel fine and now I just need more games.

“If that’s coming off the bench that’s fine.

“Hopefully just being back will give the team a boost.”

The young Scotland international reckons he was in the best of form before his injury and hopes to replicate that again.

“I thought last season was one of my best and it was sickening that I couldn’t carry it on this year but now I’m just looking to get back on the pitch,” he added.

“I was initially told I would be back for the end of last season and now it’s nearly a year on so it’s been really frustrating.

“But I’m just glad I’m over it now and I’m back.

“I think it will take me quite a while to get back to where I want to be and I have seen other people come back and get injured through going too quickly, so I will take my time – but give it my all.”

“At times it’s been difficult but I feel I will be a better person for this experience,” he said.

“I will always look back at this time and think ‘I’ve got something here’ and I will try to work on my game and get the best out of my ability.

“I’m lucky to have the experience of winning the Championship two seasons ago – and it was a great experience.

“That experience will help me come back into the team with the lads and hopefully we can push on into the top two.

“People think we just want to get promoted but I want to win the league – and I think we can.”

Giles Barnes speaks of his fitness confidence.

Giles Barnes is hoping to make his first appearance for new club Albion within weeks after vowing to rediscover the form that made him a £7 million man.

The ex Derby winger was talking to the club site for the first time about his fight to regain full fitness and explained that his ruptured Achilles has now fully healed.

Barnes is hoping and convinced that all the injuries over the last 3 years are now behind him and that he can get on with his career.

He said: “I’m there or thereabouts. I am short of game practice and I’m not going to hide that but as soon as I get one or two game practice games behind me I would be thinking I’d be ready to enter the first team if selected.

“My Achilles feels fantastic. I don’t have any pain or any swelling from it, so I suppose that’s a good thing.”

At 21 he has already been one of English football’s brightest talents and attracted bids of £7million in the summer of 2007, one of those bids from West Ham, this was after helping Derby reach the Premier League at Albion’s cost. The hammers move looked all set to go when the injury nightmare started.

He said: “There is no doubt in my mind. I was probably playing better football than ever when I went on loan to Fulham, even though it was in reserve games. In training I was sharper than I had ever been before.

“Even though I got my Achilles injury from that, I didn’t lose my football brain and thank God I haven’t lost any pace or anything like that.

“You come back stronger from things like that and if you keep watching football you learn things as well.”

With foot, knee and Achilles problems since 2007, Barnes has never considered once that his career could be doomed to failure.

He said: “That is one thing that never came into my head – not even an echo. I am that eager to get back. If anyone had turned around to me and said ‘we’re not too sure,’ that would have been a big shock to me.

“But not playing again is not something I ever contemplated.”

Only time will tell, however, should Barnes regain the form he was capable of and steer clear of any further injury, Albion may have an asset on their hands that could be worth close on £10 million.

Massive injury boosts at the Hawthorns and transfer rumours

Not only are Youssouf Mulumbu, Jerome Thomas and Luke Moore all looking likely to be fit to start in the  Sky televised Rangers clash at The Hawthorns on Monday after their individual struggles struggles with injuries, however, James Morrison may also be back in training as early as next week too!.

With Thomas and Moore back in training and raring to go, Mulumbu is also showing no signs of any serious injury after his recent early bath in the Cardiff defeat.  Morrisons scarring is healing very well and he should be able to start light training any day soon.

The Rangers game will also see a return for Dean Kiely, who will be looking to make his claim for the number one shirt permanent whilst Scott Carson sits out due to his 3 match ban. Carson is expected to be fined by the club after his out of character head butt on Chopra, the club feel that his sending off and the very nature is deserving of a club fine.

Di Matteo has actually hinted that should Kiely perform well that there is no reason why he cannot keep the shot stoppers jersey indefinitely. This episode will see a young keeper on the bench in the form of youth keeper Ryan Alsopp.

In other news today, reports are rife that Albion are likely to make a big money offer for out of favour Stoke striker James Beattie.

Albion aim to tie up Dorrans securely

Although Albion have tied Graham Dorrans to a lengthy 4 year contract only 6 months ago, the club are now aiming to keep him even longer.

Albion are concerned by regular links to Premiership clubs and all the anticipated talk of him being off in the January window. They are so concerned that they are reported to be ready to offer him a 5 year multi million pound deal. Albion appear willing to do anything to keep the young attacking midfielder, this is certainly a step in the right direction towards building a team to enter the second decade of the century as a team that is going places.

Dorrans cost the Baggies just £100,000 when he signed from Livingston under two years ago, but Albion have seen his value rocket in the last 12 months as he has become the key midfield figure, first under Tony Mowbray and now Roberto Di Matteo. He scored Saturday afternoon at Derby giving him his third goal of the season.

New contract for Kiely the coach!

Roberto Di Matteo will consider extending Dean Kiely’s Albion contract after praising the veteran for improving number one Scott Carson.

The Baggies boss believes Carson’s work with temporary goalkeeping coach Kiely is paying off.

And he is delighted with the England international’s progress during the first three months of the season.

“At the start of the season I talked to Scott and he looked a bit unsure and shaky,” said Di Matteo.

“We’ve been talking and Dean has been working a lot with him. I feel he’s getting better.

“He’s doing a lot of good things and working with the team.

“He’s getting the right distances and coming for crosses, he comes out for the long ball over the top as well, which is really good.”

Di Matteo surprised Baggies fans at the start of the season by naming Carson as his new captain following the departure of Jonathan Greening to Fulham.

But the Italian has insisted he had no reservations about naming the former Liverpool and Villa shot-stopper as skipper despite his position between the sticks.

Read the rest of the story from the Express and Star

Koren may be allowed an exit – Di Matteo

Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo today revealed that he may have to let unsettled midfielder Robert Koren leave The Hawthorns in January.

Although Robbie is keen to keep the Slovenia captain in his squad, he admitted he can understand Koren’s frustration over a lack of first-team action.

Captain of his national team and at an age where first team football matters Koren is not being unfair in his request for a transfer.

Koren is losing ground in the race for the team sheet, even to young midfielder Dorrans and has stated in interview that he is not happy playing as a wide player either, which is where most of his Albion outings have found him.

He also stated in the interview that his agent has been in touch with the Albion management over the possibility of a move. Interest from the Premier League is imminent without doubt, expected interest will come from Bolton, Fulham and Birmingham. Fulham are likely to be in the front of the running as Zoltan Gera’s move to Craven Cottage was arranged by the same agents that manage Koren. Tony Mowbray will no doubt be amongst the managers sniffing around too and a bid from Celtic could also be in the midst!

Albion have a tendancy not to let players go unless they are surplus to requirements or in their last year of contract and although Robert Korens contract expires this coming summer, the Albion have a right to a further 12 months.

Koren throws Albion future in doubt

The Express and Star story regarding Korens future seems to be spot in and well founded, so here we offer you a glimpse of what they said.

Original Article

Albion midfielder Robert Koren has thrown his future at the club into doubt by claiming to have asked the Baggies about the chance of a move in January.

The Slovenia captain has revealed in an interview in his homeland that he might have to leave the Hawthorns to get regular football in his preferred central midfield role.

Koren, who was among the stars of the club’s Championship triumph two years ago, has fallen down the pecking order this season with Youssouf Mulumbu, Graham Dorrans and even Gonzalo Jara selected ahead of him.

The 29-year-old has started just one Championship game in a central position this season, scoring in the home win against Ipswich.

Now, in an interview ahead of Slovenia’s crucial World Cup qualifying play-off against Russia, Koren has called his future into question but denied any rift with head coach Roberto Di Matteo.

The player said: ”I never got a chance in the centre, but always in a wing position. This was from the outset of the season after the arrival of new coach. Even in friendly matches, I never got the opportunity in the middle.”

Koren also admitted his agent has contacted Albion officials to ask about the possibility of a January departure.

The player added he would be willing to move abroad to get regular action, although he would favour staying in England, after spending three years with the Baggies.

Such comments are likely to grab the attention of Premier League clubs, after Koren was linked during the summer with a move back to the top flight.

The former Lillestrom midfielder played down talk of a summer exit and reaffirmed his commitment to the Baggies in an interview with the Express & Star during the club’s pre-season tour of Slovenia.

But a lack of first-team action in the first three months of the season has left the midfielder frustrated, with the emergence of Dorrans as a key figure further adding to his problems.

Injury boosts and sad news …

Along with news that Roman Bednars injury is not as bad as first feared Albion are reporting other decent news in the injury department.

When carried off very early in to the Reading game on Saturday, Bednar was rushed to hospital in some real pain. This was an obvious worry and could have been very bad news, however, hospital was just a precaution and a simple trapped nerve will most likely see Bednar back in action by the time the Albion travel to the Ricoh Arena this coming Saturday.

James Morrisson has, it is hoped, had a final operation on his heel and should now be able to start his recovery.

Ex Albion favourite David “Davy” Burnside passed away yesterday evening of a suspected heart atack. Davey who managed 42 goals in some 135 appearances for the Albion, joined as an amateur in 1955 and went on to play alongside some Albion greats including Derek Kevan and the late great Sir Bobby Robson. Davey went on to manage the England youth team in later years and remained in football until as recently as 1999.

Youssouf Mulumbu Retires From International Football With DR Congo.

Youssouf Mulumbu today quit international football for the near future and possibly indefinitely.

He walked out on his country’s team and immediately launched a vicious attack on what he called an amateur set up. When interviewed in France the 22 year old midfielder stated he will not return without seeing some big changes.

This is great news for the Baggies, as the player is making a big impact at the club and means that he will be bereft of gruelling trips to Africa on a regular basis.

The issue, Mulumbu stressed, is not a reflection on coach Patrice Neveu, but with the DR Congo football federation whom he feels are sorely lacking professionalism.

Jara not coming home early to boost injury hit Albion

A glimmer of hope wash dashed when the Chilean FA refused to release banned Gonzalo Jara early from his international commitments. Jara was banned Saturday and as Chile have nothing to play for it seemed that there was every reason to allow him to return home early, however, Chile have refused and he will not return until Friday now. This leaves very little time to get over the travelling and be fit and in the mindset to play Saturdays clash against Reading.

With Dorrans returning from international duty for Scotland with a bruised foot and facing a fight to be fit for Saturday, Di Matteo is beginning to get a bit of a selection nightmare.

Luke Moore is doubtful with a knee injury and Chris Brunt is out for the next 3 games at least suffering with a calf strain. This is all adding up when you consider that Ishmael Miller is out til January at the earliest with a long term knee injury and James Morrisson is also on the long term injured list suffering with a heel injury.

Ishmail Miller targets January return

Excellent young striker Miller has stated his intention to aim for a January return from his anterior cruciate ligament injury. The 22 year old was hit with the devasting and career threatening injury last December but has expessed an intention to come back far hungrier and even stronger in January 2010.

Expected to be back for the start of the Championship campaign the unfortunate youg player sufferd a set back in pre season training, however, given fresh hope by a new 5 year contract the ex Manchester City player is determined to return and repay the confidence shown in him buy the chairman and manager.

He was given great news by his specialist this week that he can again re start running.

Koren expecting bragging rights over Cech and free dinner!

Robert Koren is hoping for another free dinner off Marek Cech. With his Slovenia team the favourites for tonights clash it looks like he could well be on for his second free dinner. Marek had to buy Roberts dinner earlier in the campaign when Slovenia beat Slovakia.

They are engaged tonight in a very important game, the result could see 1 guaranteed a place in the finals and the other cementing a play off place.

A win for Slovenia will move them within two points of top spot, with a midweek trip to basement boys San Marino to follow as their final game.

Other Baggies players in action this weekend are Chris Wood who has joined New Zealand for the first leg of their play off game against Bahrain in Manana. Grahan Dorrans has travelled with the Scotland squad to Japan for this mornings early game, a friendly against the home country in Yo kohama City. Youssouf Mulumbu is expected to get some friendly action with DR Congo who play Korea DPR, in Le Mans next Saturday.

Gonzalo Jara along with Abdoulaye Meite are also still in with a very good shot of reaching the South Africa based World Cup 2010 finals. Chilean Jara has linked up with his team mates and they need just 1 point from 2 games against Columbia and Equador this Saturday and Wednesday respectively. Meite will most likely not play for the Ivory Coast due to lack of match fitness, is with his team mates whom also only need 1 point to qualify. They play bottom team Malawi today and will be very unlikely not to qualify.