Kevin Phillips backing Craig Gardner to make mark at West Brom

Albion hero Kevin Phillips today backed former team-mate Craig Gardner to make his mark at The Hawthorns – if the Baggies let him off the leash.

Goalscoring favourite Phillips played alongside Gardner at Villa and Birmingham before following the midfielder's progress closely at another of his former clubs, Sunderland.

And after Albion snapped up Gardner on a free transfer, Phillips tipped the 27-year-old to recapture his best form if the Baggies use him correctly.

"'Gards' proved at Birmingham and in his early time at Sunderland that he is an excellent goalscoring midfielder if you use him in the correct position," said Phillips.

"He was always great at getting goals from that advanced midfield position, but that means getting licence to get forward.

"Whether he plays in a midfield two and has a holding player alongside him so he doesn't have to worry as much about defensive responsibilities, or whether he plays in a midfield three, he is great at getting on the end of moves.

"And, if he gets into a goalscoring position, he is one of the best strikers of a ball I have ever played with.

"But in my opinion you don't get the best out of him if you play him as a defensive midfielder, on the right or at right-back."