Express & Star

West Brom Skipper Jake Livermore backs Romaine Sawyers to hit the top

Albion captain Jake Livermore believes Romaine Sawyers has the potential to be as good as any of the top midfielders he has played with.

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Romaine Sawyers of West Bromwich Albion applauds (AMA)

Released by the Baggies in 2013, Sawyers returned to the club in the summer and has gone on to form a hugely impressive partnership with Livermore in central midfield.

Having won seven caps for England, Livermore has played with a host of top central midfielders for his country including Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

He also lined up alongside Moussa Dembele and Scott Parker at Tottenham.

Now, though, he is thoroughly enjoying playing with Sawyers.

“He (Sawyers) is fantastic,” Livermore said. “I love the boy as a kid and I love him as a player. I love playing alongside him.

“He is a nice calming influence. I think we bounce off each other quite well.

“He was at West Brom as a kid and credit to them because he has been fantastic since he has come back.

“I back him to be a real, real top player and I have played with a few.

“But I back him to be as good as anyone I have played with to be honest. And I mean that.”

Albion have a major headache heading into the game against Sheffield Wednesday on November 23 with both Livermore and Sawyers suspended after picking up five yellow cards.

Semi Ajayi, Filip Krovinovic, Chris Brunt, Rekeem Harper and Gareth Barry are all in contention to replace them.

And while Livermore is disappointed to miss the game, he has complete faith in whoever Slaven Bilic decides to bring in.

“It’s disappointing to be suspended and to have picked up the cards so quickly,” the skipper added.

“But the way we play, the full-backs are up. They are one of our main outlets.

“They are fantastic at getting forward and unfortunately that leaves me and Romaine slightly open in the middle.

“But it is a squad effort. There is no issue with the boys that will come in.

“I’m more than happy for them to fulfil the role.”