Club News

Irvine backs Saido to rediscover goal touch

Berahino gets Irvine endorsement

SAIDO Berahino will emerge a stronger player following his recent dip, according to head coach Alan Irvine.

The Baggies striker has not scored since Albion's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace just under two months ago.

But, speaking ahead of today's Barclays Premier League trip to QPR (3pm ko), Irvine feels Berahino will rediscover his form.

"Sometimes you lose a little bit of edge and confidence and, before you know it, what came easily and naturally before doesn’t," said the head coach.

"Especially in that position, we see players go through spells where they can’t stop scoring.

"And they go through spells where they can’t score at all and they wonder where the next goal’s coming from.

"It’s been said many times, any kind of goal can change that.

"He has to keep doing all the right things, working properly, living properly and making sure he gives himself the best chance of getting over this difficult spell.

"It’s only a short spell. He’ll come back and be really good for it."

Irvine continued: “We had talks and it was very relaxed.

"It wasn’t anything deadly serious, I didn’t demand he came into the office - he actually came in to chat to me about something else.

"I took that opportunity to ask him how he was and give him a bit of advice about how you deal with this sort of situation.

"Saido this season has gone from probably not been expected to be one of the main players - to very much being the focal point for everybody.

"It’s been fairly extreme for him."