West Brom's Charlie Austin happy to finish season behind closed doors

Football is currently suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic but the government, EFL and Premier League are locked in talks about a potential return.

Back in March, Austin had to self-isolate after his temperature rocketed to 39.7C while he simultaneously experienced other symptoms of Covid-19.

He couldn’t be tested at the time. But last week the 30-year-old completed an antibody test which confirmed he did have the virus.

Now, like the rest of the Baggies squad, he is working at home to make sure he is in the best possible shape for when football does return – with that highly likely to be behind closed doors.

And Austin believes players will quickly adapt to the new setting.

“We have played in empty stadiums for the under-23s or in pre-season games,” the striker said.

“If I am honest with you the bite is not there, but that is because there is nothing on those games.

“When you are playing in an empty stadium, but you know there are three points on the line – and those three points are for a league where you have already played 37 games – it’s different.

“Our goal is to get promoted. It’s been our goal since pre-season, it’s been our goal since Christmas time.

“Nothing has changed for us whether there will be 25,000 people in the stadium or 300 people.

“These games will still be on the manager – if you don’t win it still goes against you.”

Austin believes some players may feel they can express themselves more without fans in the ground.

“When you hear fans moaning and groaning in the stands it does get to you,” he continued.

“It’s the same as when they cheer you on – then they give you a five or 10 per cent boost.

“But they can still kick you where it hurts when they give you negative chants. There are going to be advantages and disadvantages.

“Imagine you have still got to go to Millwall away. Let’s be honest, it’s an intimidating place.

“Some players will think, I’ll play at Millwall – their fans don’t bother me. But some will think, you know what, I’m going to play but I don’t fancy being called every name under the sun when I get the ball.

“It is swings and roundabouts and if that’s what it takes to get the season done then so be it.”