Alan Irvine sees turning point for West Brom

Boss Alan Irvine admits West Brom must build on their recent progress at Queens Park Rangers - as he expressed hope their season has reached a turning point.

The Baggies will head to Loftus Road on Saturday looking to extend a two-game unbeaten run which has lifted some of the pressure off the head coach.

But Irvine is well aware of the need to maintain momentum against Rangers, who while in the relegation zone, are just three points behind his side.

He said: "I hope this is the turning point for us. It was nice to have got the results we have done, we obviously have to build on that. We've had clean sheets which are a big help.

"We managed to get a goal - and our problem in games has been a lack of goals. We clearly are aware of that - and we're doing a lot of work to try and address that.

"We feel that if we create enough opportunities we have players who can score."

Last week's 1-0 win over Villa was Albion's first for five league games, but Irvine has noticed no noticeable change in a dressing room morale he maintains has been consistent all season.

He added: "The dressing room's been fantastic. The players are great to work with on a daily basis. But it's easier to smile when you've got a result and especially against your neighbours.

"The players have been great all the way through. The performances have been good and I haven't had to pick them up too much.

"They knew some better results were just around the corner. The place has been buoyant, there is confidence, so it's been business as usual.

"But we know there's a tough game coming up.

"We have to move quickly, when you win you're 10 minutes after you're thinking 'who's next and what do we have to do?'"

[comments_cta header="What do you think?" text="Are West Brom now on the up and up?" button="Log in and start commenting"]

Albion are expected to welcome back skipper Chris Brunt after he missed the past two games with a hamstring injury.

Irvine is hopeful Victor Anichebe will also return, though the striker hasn't trained.

The only confirmed absentees are defender Jonas Olsson and forward Georgios Samaras, the latter having not yet returned from Greece following a family issue.

Of of the returning skipper, Irvine said: "Brunt brings experience and quality. Chris is the captain and a very experienced player - and someone who does a lot of important jobs which sometimes go un-noticed."