Joint-assistant head coach says midfielder has done well to overcome 'disappointments'
KEITH Downing has praised Graham Dorrans for putting his 'disappointments' behind him and delivering on the pitch over recent weeks.The Baggies midfielder – eager for more first-team opportunities - was told by Steve Clarke he would be allowed to leave in January if a ‘suitable’ deal emerged.
But the transfer window came and went and Dorrans has played in the last six Barclays Premier League games – starting five – to help the Baggies’ climb back up to seventh place ahead of today's trip to Chelsea (ko 3pm).
“Graham would probably be the first to say his ideal position is more central and he’s played in wider positions in most of this campaign, but he is a talented player,” said Downing.
“We saw the best of him two or three years ago in the Championship and he’s had one or two niggling ankle injuries since then.
“But when he’s fit and well Graham is a very talented player and is a person who can create and score a goal from the midfield area.
“He has done well because he’s had some disappointments in not figuring on some occasions.
“He has kept his counsel, kept his thoughts to himself and got on with his football and he’s worked hard.
“He has got himself justifiably back into some starting line-ups and he’s in and around it.
“There was a choice to make tactically on Saturday and we went with two strikers so Graham had to step aside.
“But it wasn’t through form it was through the whole situation.
“He has done well over recent weeks.”