Express & Star

Chris Brunt knows who can be an Albion hit

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West Brom veteran Chris Brunt knows a bit about wingers.

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And the long-time Albion wideman is tipping Callum McManaman to be a hit at the Hawthorns.

Despite lying joint fifth in the Premier League's 'assists' list this season, Brunt has found himself pressed into action at left-back for much of Tony Pulis' reign so far.

And after persistent injury problems since his January move from Wigan, McManaman finally began staking a claim on Saturday for the right to replace the former skipper on the flank.

McManaman impressed in a lively cameo against Liverpool and Brunt is excited about the 24-year-old, now he has finally shaken off the foot injury that had been dogging him.

Brunt said: "He's a little bit different to what we've got. You can give him the ball and he can take people on.

"He's only small but he goes by people and he's got quick feet and he was unlucky with his chance.

"It was a decent save so hopefully, if he gets a full pre-season under his belt, he will be a big player for us next season.

Callum McManaman has returned to action for West Bromwich Albion.

"It's been difficult for him but sometimes that's the way things work out.

"He worked hard in the first few weeks that he came here but you could see in those first few weeks that his foot wasn't right.

"The staff had to take him out of the firing line because we brought him on in a few games and it was obvious his foot was giving him problems.

"It's important that he gets himself fully fit and has the chance to show what he can do because sending him out there 75 per cent fit is not going to help him or us.

"He has worked hard over the last few weeks to get himself up to full fitness and, maybe over the next four games, we can see a bit more of him and he can take that into next season."

McManaman's eye-catching appearance came during a turgid affair against the Reds that ended with another useful point for Tony Pulis's side.

Left-back Brunt played his part in a useful clean sheet for the Baggies – their ninth since Pulis took over on New Year's Day.

And the Northern Irishman was delighted after they shipped a total of seven goals in their previous two home games against QPR and Leicester.

He said: "It was a good point. It was pretty much one-way traffic possession-wise but as the game wore on we looked quite dangerous.

"Boaz made a couple of decent saves but it wasn't like they were bombarding us with crosses and shots and overall we were pretty comfortable."

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