Slaven Bilić says he was proud of his players’ efforts against Premier League Newcastle United on Tuesday night.
The Baggies produced a valiant second-half showing against Steve Bruce’s side but ultimately fell short as the visitors progressed to the last eight of the Emirates FA Cup.
But the boss admitted he was pleased with the performances of a number of his players who have found Sky Bet Championship minutes hard to come by in recent weeks.
“We ran out of time," said the gaffer. "But if we had scored a second with the few chances we had with 15 minutes to go, then I had a feeling we would have got a third.
“Unfortunately we scored the second a bit late. I am very proud of the guys but at the same time disappointed with the result.
“They put a very strong team out but we gave them way too much respect in the first half and let the midfielders feed their guys up front.
“The second goal was unfair because after the first one, we had a good spell and we told the guys at half time to unleash themselves and not show too much respect.
“But the worst thing that could happen happened in the second half when they got that third goal, but the reaction after that was absolutely magnificent.
“It’s a shame we couldn’t start like that but it was a very good performance from the boys.
“I was very happy with a few of them and some of them got a big plus from today, others got a small plus but it gives us a boost before a crucial stage of the campaign.”
