And Baggies skipper is happy with central midfield role
CHRIS Brunt believes Jerome Thomas’ performances since returning from a loan spell at Leeds will provide head coach Steve Clarke with further selection headaches.
The 29-year-old winger enjoyed a seven-game stay at Elland Road after recuperating from a knee injury which limited his first-team opportunities at The Hawthorns.
And the Northern Ireland international has praised Thomas’ form since his return to Albion action as a substitute in the 1-1 draw at QPR earlier this month.
“He's gone out on loan to Leeds, played a few games, and come back and looked pretty sharp,” said Brunt.
“JT is a good player and he gives us something different.
“He gets at players, takes people on and stays pretty wide, which gives you width.
“He's done pretty well since he came back, it's another body, more competition for places and it gives the gaffer another headache."
And the Baggies skipper insists he is happy to play as a central midfielder for as long as he is required to – with DR Congo international Youssouf Mulumbu currently away at the African Cup of Nations.
“I think I'm capable of playing there,” added the former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder.
“Claudio went off who is a natural defensive player and maybe it would be easier for me to play in there with someone like him.
“Having said that, when myself and Youssouf played there against QPR, we did pretty well together.
“If the gaffer is happy to use me there, and he seems to keep putting me there, I'm happy with it and I've got a couple of goals from there.
“I've been able to get a few shots off whereas in the last 18 months I've not got as many goals.
“Maybe it is somewhere I can play.
“But credit to the lads, once Claudio went off, JT came on and did his job well and Dozza has slotted in alongside me.”