And midfielder speaks about his first-team chances
ZOLTAN Gera is hoping to have the last laugh over his former Baggies buddies in tomorrow’s clash with Hull (ko 3pm) - as he eyes up a first start of the season.
The Magic Magyar played with Tigers trio Robert Koren, Curtis Davies and Paul McShane during his first Albion spell.
But now he is hoping to make it a miserable Hawthorns return for them as the 16th-placed hosts look to get back to winning ways and close the gap on Steve Bruce’s 12th-placed side to one point.
“Hull have an experienced coach and are doing well in the Premier League because they have a good team,” said Gera.
“They’ve signed good players and key players in the midfield.
“Roko [Koren] is a good boy.
“He’s a great lad and a very good player.
“I’m so happy for him that he plays in the Premier League again.
“It will also be nice to see Curtis and Paul again.
“Hopefully we can speak a bit before and after the game.
“And I’ll wish them all the best after the game!
“Robbie and I text a bit and hopefully after the game I can give him some stick.”
Gera ended an 11-month wait for a return from injury with a cameo appearance as a late substitute at Newcastle last month.
He followed it up by getting almost half an hour under his belt against Manchester City and is chomping at the bit for what he feels would be an emotional return to an Albion starting XI.
“I think I’m ready to start games,” he added.
“I can’t wait for it.
“I have many, many training sessions behind me.
“Over the last six or seven weeks I have trained with the team and I feel I can start.
“But it is always up to the head coach to pick the right team.
“I can’t wait for my chance - but I won’t be knocking on any doors.
“I think you have to show on the training field you are ready for the games.
“When the boss sees you are ready he will pick you.
“It will be emotional walking out with the team again.
“The first game when I came on with two minutes to go; I was so excited and nervous.
“The coaches said I looked nervous – but that’s normal when you’ve been out for a long time.
“I feel good now, comfortable, there is no issue, and I’m ready to go.
“When you go onto the pitch you forget about past problems.
“You just go for it and don’t think about whether you could get injured again.”
The Hungary captain has called on his team-mates to show their character under pressure in the wake of Steve Clarke’s departure.
And he has urged the fans to get behind the team against City tomorrow.
“I was surprised to see Steve Clarke go but you never know what’s happening tomorrow because in modern football coaches and players come and go,” said Gera.
“I’m looking forward to seeing who the new head coach is.
“I trust in the club because they have found good coaches over the years.
“In the meantime, Keith is an experienced coach, who knows the players, and we’ll stay positive.
“We have good players, a good squad, a good group of people, and I think there is a good spirit in the dressing room.
“Hopefully we will start winning – but we know it is very difficult against Hull.
“We believe in ourselves and hopefully we’ll start picking up points quickly.
“We need the great supporters to support us to get three points on Saturday.
“I’m confident in the team that we can start picking up points.
“We don’t want to fight against relegation but sometimes you have to work hard, as always, and show your character when you’re under pressure.”
.click hereScott Sinclair is 11/1 to score the first goal in the game against Hull with Sky Bet. To bet now and for more odds,