Slaven Bilic: Charllie Austin must stay patient at West Brom

The 30-year-old, who will be in the Baggies’ squad for the visit of Cardiff today, has yet to score a Championship goal since joining the club in the summer.

Bilic, though, is happy with the forward’s all-round contribution. And he is in no doubt the goals will soon flow for the former Burnley man.

“Charlie has to stay calm,” the 51-year-old said. “He is a part of a team that is scoring goals and winning at the moment.

“We are creating chances. He works hard, he opens spaces for other players. Players are using him.

“And he is getting chances. I told him in another season he would have scored four or five goals so far. Be patient, it is going to happen.”

Meanwhile, Bilic has confirmed Ahmed Hegazi will play for Egypt in their friendly with Botswana on October 14.

The 28-year-old is yet to feature for the Baggies this season after undergoing an operation to fix a long-standing ankle problem in the summer. But the centre-back did play for Albion’s under-23s against Newcastle last month.

“Hegazi is going away with Egypt and he is going to get a game out there, which will be good for him. He is training with us, he is good, he is in good shape,” Bilic said. “The international break helps us with our plans for Hegazi. We didn’t want to rush this week knowing we are going to gain another two weeks – which is a long time. He is going away to play for Egypt, they have one game. They are going to play Botswana at home.

“I think and expect that when he comes back he will be ready to play in the team.”

Elsewhere, Chasetown’s Liam Kirton has been invited to have a trial with Albion. The forward has scored seven goals and registered three assists in 10 games for the Scholars this season.