Tony Pulis: Victor Anichebe going nowhere (until Christmas)

Tony Pulis is determined to keep all of his current squad until at least Christmas, after Bolton Wanderers were linked with a move for striker Victor Anichebe.

The Trotters reportedly enquired about Anichebe but were told that the Nigeria international wants to stay at the Hawthorns.

And asked if he was aware of any interest in the player from Neil Lennon's side, Pulis said: "I don't know. If they were, they were but we've got to keep the group together.

"We've got the group and I'd like to keep that together now. I wouldn't want to lose anyone before Christmas."

Anichebe has only featured twice for Albion so far this season, and appears to have slipped down the pecking order up front following the recent arrival of Solomon Rondon.

But Pulis surprised many by fielding the player in a deeper-lying midfield role against Norwich City in yesterday's Capital One Cup clash at Carrow Road.

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Anichebe was played in a holding role in front of the back four, and Pulis said: "When we've done games in training we've played him in the pocket and he's done exceptionally well.

"I just wanted to see him in a proper game and he did very well at times last night.

"He is a very good passer who can switch play and open things up.

"I think he enjoyed it but he ran out of steam in the last 20 minutes and found it a bit more difficult in there than up front but it was a good opportunity to see him play and he did his best."