‘Duracell Bunny’ Jara hailed at Albion
Thursday 21st April 2011, 3:15PM BST.
Albion assistant boss Michael Appleton has hailed the Baggies’ ‘Duracell Bunny’ Gonzalo Jara for continuing to smile despite losing his place in the first team.
The No 2 praised the Chile international’s attitude after he found himself on the sidelines under new boss Roy Hodgson.
Jara was first-choice right-back under former head coach Roberto Di Matteo but has lost his spot to Steven Reid in recent weeks.
Appleton said: “He’s been fantastic. He’s one of those players with a really bubbly character – similar to Peter Odemwingie in terms of the way he is around the place.
“Gonzo’s English is improving all the time and he’s got an infectious character. He’s always smiling.
“On the training field, he’s 100 miles an hour. He is like Speedy Gonzales. He’s a bundle of energy, like a Duracell bunny at times. You have to try to switch him off to calm him down. He just wants to run and run.
“But those types of people are really good to have around the place, because it’s not easy being out of the team, especially if you’re an experienced international like him. He’s had a difficult season, and not just now with him being out of the team.
“But I would imagine he has still learned a lot about the Premier League and, hopefully, that will stand him in good stead for next season.”
Jara has figured for Albion in a range of positions, although most of his appearances have come at right-back or in a holding midfield role.
And Appleton believes he could still find himself in several berths in the Baggies line-up.
He said: “As daft as it sounds, he’s been here nearly two seasons now and if you asked him, I bet he would say he doesn’t know his best position.
“Gonzo has played right-sided centre-half for Chile in a back three a few times, we’ve also played him at centre-half and he’s played a lot at full-back this season and last.
“I think he has a role to play at right-back but I also think there is a place as a holding midfielder, similar to Youssouf Mulumbu.”
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