Club News

Irvine pours praise on O’Neil performance

Brown Ideye injury update

LIAM O’Neil’s performance was hailed as “outstanding” in Albion’s Capital One Cup success over Premier League rivals Hull last night.

The 21-year-old Academy graduate, making his full Baggies debut, was called up at the last minute to replace Chris Baird, who was forced to pull out due to illness.

O’Neil had played the full 90 minutes for Albion's Under-21s, who beat Brighton 2-1 at the Ricoh Arena, on Monday night.

And he seized his chance to lay another marker for his potential as Albion came from behind to grab a deserved 3-2 victory over the Tigers and progress into the fourth round.

Head coach Alan Irvine used the game to field an entirely different starting XI from the side which beat Spurs last Sunday – but O’Neil had not been in his original selection.

“Liam only found out he was playing on the afternoon of the game because Chris complained of feeling unwell,” explained Irvine.

“I have to say I thought he was outstanding and showed us what he is really capable of doing.

“It was a superb exercise for us because we managed to get full games out of so many players who needed them.

“To get a performance and result like we did as well only adds to the satisfaction.”

The only setback for Albion was an injury to striker Brown Ideye, suffered as he opened the scoring in the 15th minute with his first goal for the club.

Ideye was swamped by his delighted team-mates but was unable to continue due to an ankle problem.

Irvine said: ”We were all absolutely delighted for the lad scoring his first goal.

“We think he is capable of goals.

“You could see how much it meant to everyone by the celebrations.

“It is just a shame he rocked his ankle in the process (of scoring).

“That was a real pity because he had made a very bright start to the game.

“We are still waiting to assess the damage but we do not think it is too serious at this stage.”