Graham Dorrans gets better for boss
Thursday 25th November 2010, 2:00PM GMT.
Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo has claimed midfielder Graham Dorrans is edging closer to his best form.
But the Baggies head coach admitted the Scotsman’s slow start to the season remains a mystery.
Dorrans has so far failed to recapture the form that saw him named Player of the Season in the Championship last term and attract big-money summer bids from West Ham.
But Di Matteo believes the former Livingston man is showing signs of an upturn with his performances on the training ground.
He said: “It’s not working out for ‘Dozza’ yet this season. We’ve talked to him and it’s difficult to understand why, because you can see he’s got the ability.
“We’re hopeful he is going to turn it on. But he’s getting better now and you can see he is brighter.
“He’s a big player for us when he’s in form. Nobody likes not being in the team but I like to pick players who are in good shape and form. He’s getting close.
“He’s shown glimpses but we expect a bit more from him than that.”
Albion today began their final preparations for Saturday’s Premier League match at Everton, with Di Matteo insisting spirits remain high despite last weekend’s harsh 3-0 defeat to Stoke.
He said: “We are picking the players up. Compared to two seasons ago we are in a much better position.
“They were on 15 points after 19 games. We achieved that after nine games. Yes, we’ve had a little dip and in the last month but look at the circumstances.
“We have had a few suspensions and a few decisions going against us and I don’t think we have been rewarded for what we have produced in these last few games.
“Look at the stats against Stoke and then look at the scoreline and you’ll think ‘bloody hell, how did that happen?’
“But it’s about putting the ball in the net, we are new and we need to learn about that and be better.
“I think people have become aware that we are a better team than two years ago and it’s difficult, not just for us but for everybody.
“But we are going to stay on the positive side.”
UK Sport
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