Baggies content at safety of Meite

Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo today backed Ivory Coast officials to safeguard Abdoulaye Meite's safety at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Baggies head coach is confident bosses will make the right decisions for their players in the wake of last week's gun attack on the Togo team bus in Angola.

The Elephants kicked off their group campaign with a goalless draw against Burkina Faso on Monday with centre-back Meite an unused substitute.

But the ambush, which left three members of the Togo party dead, has overshadowed football and led some English club managers to demand the immediate return of their players.

However, Di Matteo is happy to leave the matter in the hands of officials on the ground in Africa.

"I've not spoken to Abou personally but I know he's fine," said Di Matteo.

"It's difficult for me to give you an opinion because I guess you will have to find yourself in a position like that to judge it.

"I don't think anyone would like to play under those circumstances. But I'm sure their federation will do everything to keep them safe and, if that's not the case, then we'll make different decisions.

"As far as we know, the federation and organisers will make sure they're safe."