Club News

Berahino praises boss' leap of faith

Youngster delighted to score as a subsitute

SUPER-SUB Saido Berahino has thanked Steve Clarke for showing the belief to bring him on as an early replacement for injured Billy Jones in today’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace. 

The 20-year-old came off the bench to open the scoring at The Hawthorns – after Jones limped off in the 30th minute.

And the Albion Academy product, who played in front of makeshift right-back Morgan Amalfitano, insists he backs head coach Clarke to make the key decisions.

“I trust the boss,” said Berahino. 

“He picked a starting XI that was good enough to win the game.

“It was unlucky for Billy to pick up an injury but I just had to come on and do what I could for the team and make sure we got the three points.

“The gaffer made a choice and I was ready to come on and help the team.

“He says you always have to be ready to come on and change the game.
 
“He told me I had to help Morgan, who isn’t a right back. 

“It was a bit of a gamble, especially since I had Jerome Thomas coming down that left-hand side.
 
“But it just shows what kind of gaffer he is and that he’s not afraid to make the hard decisions. 

“It’s great that it paid off.”