Club News

Gera: This is a 'six-pointer'

Veteran says team-mates know importance of West Ham clash

ZOLTAN Gera insists everyone inside the Albion camp understands the importance of today’s trip to West Ham (ko 12.45pm). 

The Baggies go into the Upton Park clash three points clear of their 19th-placed hosts.

And the Hungary international believes Keith Downing has the strength and depth at his disposal to record another positive result in the capital – following Boxing Day’s 1-1 draw at Tottenham.

“Nobody wants to be down in the bottom three and we know it’s a tough game because this is a six-point game,” said Gera.

“If we win we go away from them and if they win they catch us.

“It will be a very difficult game for us but it will be for them as well.

“Our squad is strong because Keith nearly changed the whole team for the Spurs game and we had a good point against a good side.

“I’m sure fresh legs will be on the pitch.

“Keith can see the squad is strong and he can pick two teams.

“I think he looked at Saturday’s game as well because for us it’s more important than the Spurs game.

“Maybe the West Ham supporters will get behind their team because they need good support, but obviously if they start badly they might turn against them.

“We will see when the game starts what the reaction is from players and supporters.”
 
Gera believes fellow forward Matej Vydra has a bright future ahead of him after impressing in Albion’s last two games against Hull and Tottenham. 

“Matej is very clever,” added Gera. 

“He’s a good player with good feet and he’s a goalscorer.

“He missed a few chances at Tottenham but as long as you’re in a good area and you have chances it is good for you - and I think he’s a very good player.
 
“It’s up to the new head coach how much he will play this season but I think he’s a very good player and he showed it on Boxing Day.”