BRUCE’S LOOKING TO WEST
We’ve been below Baggies all season which makes them favourites, says Villa boss Smith BRUNT UP FOR IT AGAIN
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY believe they can fend off Huddersfield’s interest in Keiren Westwood and persuade him to sign a new contract.
The Terriers want Westwood (above) to replace the departing Jonas Lossl at the John Smith’s Stadium and have approached the Irishman, who is out of contract at Hillsborough this summer.
Owls boss Steve Bruce hopes to keep the former Republic of Ireland star as he tries to build a promotionwinning squad for next season.
One of Bruce’s first acts on arrival at Wednesday in February was to make Westwood, 34, his No.1 after he had been ditched by old boss Jos Luhukay.
Terriers head coach Jan Siewert feels the ex-Sunderland stopper could also boost their promotion hopes. ASTON VILLA boss Dean Smith has tried to turn the heat on West Brom ahead of their Championship play-off clash.
Smith, who was born in West Bromwich, laughed off suggestions Villa go into the twoleg semi-final as favourites.
His team clinched their place with a magnificent late run which saw them take 30 points from a 10match winning streak.
Smith says he has heard the talk that Villa are as good as at Wembley – and is having none of it.
“I know several pundits are saying that we’re the favourites but West Brom have been above us in the table all season,” he said.
“We drew at their place and then they beat us at Villa Park. For me, they’re the favourites and we’re looking forward to spoiling their party.”
Smith has a full-strength squad to choose from after resting several key players in the last game of the season against Norwich.
He added: “It’s a big game, there’s no getting away from that. The prize of potentially getting to the Premier League ensures that.
“West Brom will certainly take a lot of heart from the fact that we haven’t beaten them this season.
“One thing is for sure, it won’t be over come Tuesday – we’ve seen that this week with Liverpool and Tottenham.
“There’s an awful lot to play for but we have a lot of belief.
“The hardest job for me now
DLFWEST BROM captain Chris Brunt says a third promotion with the Baggies would be his sweetest yet.
And the midfielder would rate reaching the Premier League this term after the shock of relegation, and the sacking of boss Darren Moore in March, as one of his career highlights.
“I think it would be a fantastic achievement for
is having to upset players who don’t make the team, but I’m used to that. We’re confident, without being overconfident, because of the run we have been on.
“I rested Jack Grealish, Tyrone Mings, John McGinn and Anwar El Ghazi because there was a short turnaround.
“Consequently I’ve a full squad to choose from. Everyone’s looking forward to it and Villa Park will be rocking. We’re all fit and raring to go.”