This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
West Bromwich Albion boss Slaven Bilic has been handed a major boost ahead of this weekend’s Championship return, but he’s unlikely to call upon it.
What’s he said?
The Baggies host Sheffield Wednesday at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon looking to extend their run at the top of the table, although they do so without the presence of everlasting duo Romaine Sawyers and skipper Jake Livermore.
It means there are two clear places up for grabs, and returning midfielder Gareth Barry has thrown his name into the hat despite only making his comeback from a career-threatening injury in midweek.
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The 38-year-old has signed a contract until the end of the current campaign after he started 15 of his 24 league games last term.
And he now feels ready to be called on.
Speaking after the reserve game on Tuesday, Barry said:
“I feel good.
“We had a training game on Saturday and another game on Tuesday. I’ve come through both of those unscathed. The knee is feeling good and I’m looking forward to getting back whenever I am needed.
“There’s nothing like being out there in front of the fans and the adrenaline rushing through.
“I’ll never put myself out of a game. If the manager asked me what I was thinking in terms of Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, I’ve always put myself up for selection so it’s then down to the manager and the coaching staff to make a decision on the squad.”
Unlikely starter
This comes as a significant boost at precisely the right time for Bilic and West Brom.
They’ll be without Livermore and Sawyers, who have started every single game this season. The latter has even played every minute available.
And with Albion sitting at the Championship summit, their contributions are clearly vast.
However, it may not be wise to rely on a 38-year-old whose last competitive game was back at the start of March, when the Baggies rolled over 4-0 at Leeds United.
Barry may believe he’s ready, but he’s still a long, long, long way off being match fit – 62 minutes against Port Vale’s reserve team just isn’t enough to warrant selection just yet.
