Slaven Bilic: Recalled West Brom duo deserved their chance
Slaven Bilic says impressive performances in training combined with other players not performing are the reasons why Charlie Austin and Kamil Grosicki have earned recalls to Albion's squad.
The Baggies disappointing run in the Premier League continued on Saturday when they fell to a 2-1 loss at Newcastle.
In a bid to try and find a spark in that game, Bilic gave opportunities to both Austin and Grosicki – two players who have largely been frozen out this term.
Grosicki was just 21 seconds away from joining Nottingham Forest on transfer deadline day only for that move to collapse due to paperwork being submitted late.
Austin, meanwhile, hadn't made a league appearance for Albion this season until the trip to St James' Park.
Both, though, were given a chance to impress from the bench on Saturday. And Bilic says they deserved their opportunity.
"They deserve their chance," said Bilic who takes his team to Manchester City tomorrow.
"I spoke with Kamil and I spoke with Charlie, in every training session they have shown that they are trying to impress me.
"No matter how experienced they are, the last few weeks they have really shown they want to play.
"It’s a combination of that and that the guys up front aren’t doing it at the moment. At Newcastle, Charlie gave us bravery, physicality, he fought for every ball.
"On top of that he can hold the ball, he can lay it off, he can bring the whole team up.
"It’s been how they have trained. But, as I said, it is a combination of two things, to impress you have to knock on the door and impress in training.
"And if the players in your position are not performing then you get a chance."
Austin was joined up front by Matt Phillips at St James' Park with Bilic opting to sub both Karlan Grant and Callum Robinson at half-time.
Despite scoring at Brighton, Grant has made a slow start to his Baggies career following his summer move from Huddersfield.
But Bilic says he will quickly rediscover his best form if he works hard in training.
"It’s tough for him (Grant)," the head coach continued.
"He has come to a new club but he is working hard at the moment.
"I can’t say I was happy with him because I wouldn’t take him off.
"But I had to do it, the results are what really matters.
"He has to fight hard. At the moment he is training well. The way it is going to come and the way he is going to find form is if he continues to work hard."
