West Brom's Matt Phillips: Wide-boy could be middle man

Not only does new signing Matt Phillips have the raw pace to hurt teams in the top flight, he can also solve Albion's striker shortage.

That's the view of head coach Tony Pulis and technical director Nick Hammond, who bought Phillips from Queens Park Rangers for £5million and signed him up on a four-year deal.

The 25-year-old, who was officially unveiled by the club yesterday, has been a long-term target.

He immediately fills the hole on right wing left by Stephane Sessegnon, who was released at the end of last season.

But Albion are also planning to use his pace centrally in behind lead striker Salomon Rondon.

A former junior athlete who can run 100m in less than 11 seconds, does Phillips have what it takes to be the new Thierry Henry?

He scored eight goals and laid on five assists for a mid-table QPR team in the Championship last season, and Pulis is adamant he's got the ability to play in the Premier League.

"We're really pleased to have Matty on board," said the head coach. "This is a great chance for him to show everyone he belongs in the top flight of English football."

The winger caught the Welshman's eye in the season before last, when he scored three goals and made eight more in the Premier League.

Although QPR went down, his crosses were dangerous with Charlie Austin lurking in the box, and the Baggies hope a similar partnership will strike up between Phillips and Rondon in the coming campaign.

But Hammond's response to the signing will interest fans most.

"He's a great acquisition because he adds to the versatility within the group," said Albion's technical director. "He gives us both wide positions and is also able to play as a central striker."

After releasing Victor Anichebe, the Baggies only have three strikers left, and two of them could be sold this summer.

Albion are fielding offers from Watford and Stoke for Saido Berahino and the majority of fans want the 22-year-old out of The Hawthorns.

Villa are interested in Rickie Lambert and the 34-year-old has been a flop ever since his £3m move from Liverpool last summer. The Baggies are in desperate need of a striker, but Sunderland are favourites to sign primary target Diafra Sakho and Watford are reluctant to let Odion Ighalo come to the Black Country in a swap deal for Berahino.

If the hunt for a striker continues to draw a blank, then Phillips may be asked to fill in up front on occasion.

It's a move that may not go down well with the Albion faithful, who have been critical of Pulis's penchant for playing people out of position.

On the other hand, Phillips has the same sort of devastating electric pace as Jamie Vardy, and he could prove to be a useful outlet, especially away from home when backs are regularly against the wall. Even if he does flourish up front, Albion definitely need to add more fire-power to their squad, because he can't play in both positions at the same time.