And boss insists 'patient' Brunt has big part to play
STEVE Clarke insists Markus Rosenberg is now up to speed on his fitness and is ready to grasp his big chance when it comes his way.The Sweden international arrived at The Hawthorns in August on a Bosman, having not trained with a team in seven weeks after exiting Euro 2012 on June 19.
He has yet to make a Barclays Premier League start but got 76 minutes under his belt in Sunday’s 1-1 Under-21 draw with West Ham and has been impressing in training.
“He’s 100 per cent fit and he played in an Under-21 game on Sunday and his fitness is fine,” said Clarke.
“He’s had to be patient but he’s quite intelligent and he knows that he’s been playing catch-up since he came here.
“He also knows that the players who have been in the team have played very well.
“He continues to work very hard in training and when he gets his chance he has to be ready to take it.
“I see signs that they’re all ready to take their chance and we’ve had some fantastic training sessions.
“The players are working as hard as they can and the atmosphere in the group is very good.
“I think anybody who’s selected will be ready for that chance.”
Another player chomping at the bit for his first league start of the campaign is Chris Brunt after his pre-season programme was severely disrupted by a calf injury.
But Clarke says the Baggies skipper remains patient after seeing his team-mates make an impressive start to the season, with seven points from 12.
“Chris is another one who had injury problems during pre-season,” the Albion chief added.
“The start to the season of the team was good and it meant that Chris didn’t have a place in the team.
“It would only be problematic if Chris hadn’t accepted the situation - and he understands the situation.
“I’ve spoken to him on a number of occasions and he knows that he has to be patient and wait for his chance.
“He’s a terrific player and everyone knows his contribution.
“He had a run out for us at Yeovil and he stuck one in the top corner, which he’s capable of doing.
“He’s going to be a big player for us this season.”