Club News

Boss: Myhill's in a good place

Albion head coach says goalkeeper remains confident after international disappointment

STEVE Clarke has urged Boaz Myhill to maintain his current form and give him a selection headache when Baggies No.1 Ben Foster returns from injury.

And, after talking to the former Villa and Hull goalkeeper, the Baggies boss is positive he will not let being dropped to the bench for Wales during the recent international break effect his confidence.

Foster is around halfway through his 12-week recovery from a stress fracture in his right foot.

And Myhill has once again proved an able deputy with some crucial saves in Albion’s current four-game unbeaten league run.

“Boaz is a great character,” said Clarke.

“He came in last year when Ben was injured and did really well and he's come in this year and done really well.
 
“It's testament to his character because sometimes to be the No.2 and not first choice is difficult.

“He has stepped up to the mark and we're really happy with him. 

“If he continues like this of course he’ll give me a headache when Ben is fit.

“Performances are everything.

“The man in possession of the jersey is the guy in the team.

“And you try to build up a culture of competition at the club for every position.”

The Hawthorns chief added: “I had a brief chat with Boaz on Wednesday and he didn’t seem to down about what happened with Wales.

“He’s obviously disappointed to go away and not play one of the two games.

“I think Chris Coleman wanted to have a look at the other goalkeeper and see how it went.

“It went well for him in the first game and he chose to stick with him.

“But Boaz is happy here.

“He works well in training and has shown good confidence – and that’s great for us.

“I think the fact the team are defending so well in front of him is a big help.

“We’ve defended well as a team this season and Boaz has been a big part of that.”