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Alan Irvine flattered by support at West Brom

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Under-fire West Brom boss Alan Irvine says he is flattered by the support of his senior players as he fights to win over the Baggies fans.

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Irvine is under pressure for his job but senior players including Ben Foster, Chris Brunt, Gareth McAuley and Craig Gardner have given him their backing this week.

Irvine said: "That means a huge amount to me.

"They are experienced players and they don't need to say it, so it's nice that they do, especially when sometimes I'm barking at them.

"It does make me feel good. You always hope people like the work you're doing and think it's right and the best people to judge that are the players, so I am quite embarrassed about that."

And Irvine is taking inspiration from other managers who have turned around their fortunes after looking close to the sack, including tomorrow's opposite number Paul Lambert.

"I haven't come up against him manager to manager but I have known Paul for some time," said Irvine.

"He enjoyed a really good start to the season and then went through a difficult spell that most of us are going to have to go through at some point in the season.

"He has come out of that. On a personal level I am pleased for him but on a professional level I hope that he's not happy on Saturday after the game."

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Meanwhile, Irvine insists he understands the importance of tomorrow's game.

"I grew up with Rangers and Celtic and there's plenty of passion in that one," he said.

"Everybody learns very quickly about the importance of derby matches to everybody who is involved with the clubs.

"This derby means as much to the people of West Brom and Villa as Rangers and Celtic, Everton v Liverpool or the Manchester derby means to their fans.

"There are a number of players here who have played in these matches before so they will understand the importance of it.

"There are other lads who have never experienced it before so they will be made aware of the importance by the rest of the players."

Albion are without Chris Brunt with the skipper still ruled out with a hamstring injury picked up during the defeat to West Ham.

Jonas Olsson, meanwhile, is still recovering from his recent foot operation. But Stephane Sessegnon and Youssouf Mulumbu are both fit.

Irvine said: Chris and Jonas Olsson are definitely ruled out.

"Stephane Sessegnon is OK. He had a bit of a problem with his calf last week but by Monday he was fine. We were worried about Youssouf Mulumbu's ankle but he's OK"