Conor Townsend hoping for better luck at West Brom
Albion defender Conor Townsend admits he was left ruing his luck after picking up a back injury earlier his season.
But after impressing off the bench against Barnsley, the full-back now hopes he has staked a claim for a starting spot in Slaven Bilic’s side.
Townsend began the campaign as understudy to Kieran Gibbs but injured a nerve in his back a day after the former Arsenal man picked up an ankle injury.
And in their absence, Nathan Ferguson impressed at left-back.
“I was a bit unlucky with the timing of my injury,” said Townsend who prior to Barnsley hadn’t featured since the opening day.
“I worked hard in pre-season. I thought I did well, then at the pivotal moment – when Gibbo (Gibbs) got injured – I picked up an injury in the very next session.
“That was tough because it came at a time when I would have been in with a shout of playing.
“But I worked hard to get back fit and try and do my best for the team and take my chance when it came.
“It’s been frustrating but to play a part and contribute against Barnsley was really pleasing. Now I need to kick on from here.” Townsend replaced Ferguson at half-time in the clash against the Tykes.
Bilic made the change to ensure his team had a natural left-footer on the left.
And it proved a master-stroke with Townsend whipping in a wonderful cross from which Matheus Pereira headed home the equaliser.
“We work on things like that in training all the time so it was nice to see it come off,” Townsend continued.
“It was into a good area for Matheus. But it was still a good header - he did well to get it in.”
Albion had to battle back from two goals down to draw with Barnsley.
But while Townsend was pleased with the character his team showed, he admits they have to be better when Charlton visit The Hawthorns on Saturday.
“We we’re 2-0 down but were still disappointed not to win the game,” he added.
“That is credit to the group we have got. We have got great characters.
“We have shown all season if we do go down in a game we can come back.
“BUt we need to start fast and make sure we are on it against Charlton.
“Going two goals down we are giving ourselves a huge mountain to climb.”
