Club News

Clarke hails Gera's 'milestone' moment

And boss says midfielder is like a new signing

STEVE Clarke was delighted to see Zoltan Gera end his injury nightmare in style by firing a goal-of-the-season contender on his competitive return to action – and insisted: “He’s like a new signing.”


The Hungary midfielder’s 43rd-minute strike set Albion on their way to a memorable 3-0 victory over Liverpool.


And it ended a nine-month wait for a return to the Barclays Premier League stage for Gera after being sidelined by cruciate knee damage on his last outing at The Hawthorns.


“I’m pleased for Zoltan, he had a horrendous time with injuries over the last two seasons and it’s like a new signing for us," said Clarke.


“He’s shown, he might be getting on in years, but he’s enthusiastic and wants to be part of what we’re doing here.


“That’s great and I’m really pleased for him.


“He works ever so hard, he's a great professional, and that is a milestone for him to score and come in like that.”