Club News

Phillips return a positive for Pulis

Midfielder makes return to action at Watford

TONY Pulis was able to point to the return of Matt Phillips for a measure of consolation amid Albion’s disappointing result at Watford.

The wide man was laid up throughout March with a hamstring problem that brought his hugely-impressive first season with the Baggies to a temporary halt.

But Phillips, who also missed out on a Scotland recall because of the injury, was re-introduced as a half-time substitute at Vicarage Road and immediately showed signs of his old form on an otherwise frustrating night for the team.

Pulis said: “That was one good thing to come from the game because it was good to see Matty back on the pitch.

“I thought he did very well too but he was another who things wouldn’t quite drop for. But it was very pleasing to get him back into action and he came through very well.”

Pulis gave a “wait and see” response to questions about whether Phillips would be a contender for a starting role when Albion return to The Hawthorns on Saturday to face Southampton.

But Matt himself confirmed today that he had suffered no ill effects after his lengthy lay off saying: “It felt fine and it was good to get back out there.”