Graham Dorrans battling to be fit
Saturday 22nd January 2011, 11:29AM GMT.
Graham Dorrans was today racing to be fit for Albion’s trip to Blackburn.
The news comes as Chris Brunt was confirmed as the Baggies’ regular captain.
Dorrans is struggling with an ankle injury and is a major doubt for a place in the team that will be led at Ewood Park by Brunt despite the return of Jonas Olsson.
Olsson was named as vice-captain last season when Scott Carson was appointed skipper but Brunt has led the side in the last two matches after Carson lost his place in goal to Boaz Myhill.
Boss Roberto Di Matteo said: “We named a number of vice captains at the start of the season and Brunt will be the captain on Sunday. I was very pleased with him against Blackpool.”
Olsson is expected to start against Rovers but Dorrans is struggling to be fit, potentially opening the door for Paul Scharner to return to midfield.
Di Matteo said: “Jonas is available after suspension, which is great. We have missed him very much. We need to be aware he has been out for three months and he won’t regain his match fitness in one game.”
Myhill will keep his place in goal but has backed Carson to respond well to being dropped.
He said: “Everybody’s goal is to get into the starting XI at the beginning of the season. It’s up to you as a player to make the most of your opportunities.”
Meanwhile, academy duo Romaine Sawyers and Kayleden Brown have joined League Two side Port Vale on a one-month youth loan.
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Well done Brunt, Jonas will carry on with the on field talking, as will Myhill, no doubt there are others too, besides Sharner. The spirit of the team will blossom even more.
BOING~~~~BOING~~~~JtH.
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The man deserves it!
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Congratulations Brunty, better to be Baggies’
Captain than a maybe bench warmer at Liddypol.
Compact tomorrow for 20 minutes whilst our defence knits back together, with I hope, Scharner filling holes at the back.
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Looks like some results are going our way so far difficult game tomorrow but on our day we
are good for 3pts just hope no injuries or reds hope Cox gets a chance he will score given more involvement see Blues much vaunted
defence caving in theyve been lucky to have had Dann and Johnson ever present for 18 mnths
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