Club News

Clarke's positive update on keepers

Boss happy with Myhill and reveals Foster latest

STEVE Clarke hailed the performance of Boaz Myhill in today’s impressive 2-1 win at Wigan – and revealed Ben Foster has undergone a minor groin operation.

Myhill deputised for the Baggies No.1 and made some vital saves in the DW Stadium encounter - his first Barclays Premier League appearance in almost 21 months.

And Clarke is delighted to have the Wales international to call upon especially as Foster, who could return to training early next week, remains a doubt to face Chelsea on Saturday (ko 3pm).

“Ben’s okay - he’s had a minor procedure,” said the Baggies boss.

“He’s back, he’s comfortable and we hope he’ll start training early next week – that’s how minor the procedure was.

“He’s doubtful for the Chelsea game but beyond that we’re hopeful.

“I still haven’t ruled him out of the Chelsea game yet.

“But to speak too much about Ben today would be disrespectful to Boaz.

“He’s waited a long time for his chance.

“He came in, I thought his handling was excellent, he made some really good saves, and gave a really assured performance, which is great for us.

“And I’m delighted for the boy himself.”

Clarke also once again praised Shane Long for producing another all-action display as the Ireland striker continues to battle on through a niggling hamstring problem.

“I haven’t got enough words to speak about Shane, I speak about him every week,” he added.

“He’s fantastic.

“He’s been great for us and everybody knows now he’s been playing with a little, nagging problem.

“But he doesn’t shirk or want to rest – he’s great.

“He’s been tremendous from the moment I’ve been at the club.

“He has the problem we have to look after.

“The medical staff have managed it well and we’ll try to keep that going.”