Alan Irvine: The goals will come for Anichebe

West Brom boss Alan Irvine today claimed the goals will come for Victor Anichebe and backed the striker to become a big player.

The Baggies head coach was impressed by the 26-year-old's all-round performance against Sunderland last weekend.

But he admits Anichebe is anxious about his lack of goals for the club to date.

The former Everton hitman netted just three times last season, following his £6million move from Goodison Park.

Irvine believes, given time, the goals will start to flow. "I think he will score," said Irvine. "I think there is an anxiety.

"He was so upset about the one on Saturday where he rolled their lad and pulled it past the post.

"He was in afterwards and looking at the clips and thinking, how have I done that?

"But he had got himself into that position. I thought he was really good for us at the weekend.

"I think people are noticing his work-rate and the tireless stuff he is doing. I have been really pleased with him in pre-season and I think he is going to be a big player for us, quite literally!"

Anichebe is well-known to Irvine, having come through the ranks while the Scot was assistant to David Moyes at Goodison.

The head coach believes the striker's 6ft 3in frame can add a different dimension to Albion's front-line.

"I think we miss him when he is not there because he has the physical presence that you often need," added Irvine. "It is more difficult for someone like Saido (Berahino) or probably someone like Brown (Ideye) to play with their back to goal on their own and having to hold the ball up to bring other people into play.

"It sticks and other people can go and play off him and that is an option which you need to have.

"It is not something where you want to say we are shelling it up to the centre-forward all the time and he is going to need to keep hold of it. But you need to have that threat and the opportunity to do that.

"I think with Victor he has had a really good pre-season as far as I'm concerned and he has been available all the time."