Special Bran

SLAVEN BILIC has shot down suggestions Branislav Ivanovic is just winding down his career at West Brom.

The Baggies’ boss says he had to be convinced the Serbian was still ‘hungry’ to perform as a player before giving the green light to his move to the Hawthorns.

Ivanovic, 36, has joined on a season-long deal after leaving Zenit St Petersburg and Bilic expects the ex-Chelsea man (right) to play a full part in West Brom’s campaign.

He said: “When some players reach the age of 36 they are still big players.

“They are part of the team and some can teach others – but the key is that they stay hungry.

“Barney is not hungry to teach anyone. He didn’t come here to give lessons.

“He’s coming here to help us on the pitch – that’s how he is and that’s why I wanted him here. He views himself as a player.

“That’s important. I don’t need a coach. But I do need someone out there on the pitch for those moments – like last week against

Chelsea – when the players need to calm down and focus during the game. It’s something the manager can’t do.

“But first, he has to play.” However, Ivanovic is likely to be on the bench against the Saints despite West Brom tossing away a three-goal lead over Chelsea last week.

Bilic knows the Serbian’s best days may be behind him but he still expects a big contribution. He added: “If he is in his best condition, I’m not lying when I say he’d still be at Chelsea. “But look at Thiago Silva, he’s the same age, playing for Chelsea and he played in the Champions League Final only a few weeks ago for PSG.

“My friend at Juventus told me their best defender is Giorgio Chiellini at 36. “I can say all this but Barney needs to play and play well for us.”