And defender hopes confidence boost will show at Upton Park
STEVEN Reid believes the resilient display in today’s 1-1 draw at Tottenham epitomises the unity of Albion’s squad.
The 32-year-old right-back played all 90 minutes at White Hart Lane – less than 44 hours prior to kick-off at West Ham on Saturday (ko 12.45pm).
And Reid hopes the Baggies’ performance in north London will give his team-mates the confidence to record a victory at Upton Park.
“We’re delighted with the point,” said Reid.
“It’s a good result going into the West Ham game.
“Hopefully results like this will help us climb the table.
“I think a draw was a fair result.
“There’s a real togetherness within the squad at the moment.
“We’re in a difficult position and we know that.
“We need to get some results and I think today we showed we’re all pulling in the same direction.
“It’s just about how we recover now with the West Ham game in less than two days.
“But we have a big squad for the two games and we know it’s a busy time of year.
“I’m sure there will be a few more changes at West Ham.
“Keith Downing will have a headache ahead of that game.
“There’s a good feeling around the squad at the moment and it would be nice to turn one of these draws into a win.”
Albion went behind to a Christian Eriksen free-kick on 36 minutes – but Reid believes James Morrison was unfortunate to see the decision go against him following his tackle on Kyle Walker.
“At the time we thought it was a little bit harsh,” added Reid.
“It could have gone the other way.
“We were a little bit unlucky on that count but it was a great finish.
“It showed the quality they have.
“But we do feel a little bit aggrieved that the free-kick was given.”
Reid considers himself slightly fortunate to have escaped a sending off at Spurs after colliding with Danny Rose – but says the Baggies were due a bit of luck.
“My heart was in my mouth a little bit.
“I think we both went in fairly but I’d need to take another look at it to be sure.
“If it is a foul then maybe the decisions that went against us earlier in the season, including myself at Chelsea, have balanced themselves out a little bit.
“If I’ve gotten away with one then maybe we were due that little bit of luck.”