BAGGS OF WASTED TALENT

Megson wants more

CARETAKER manager Gary Megson has ordered West Brom’s players to shape up.

Fans’ favourite Megson is back in charge after the sacking of Tony Pulis.

He has told the Baggies’ struggling players that reputations count for nothing, with Pulis sacked after a run of two wins in 21 Premier League games.

“There are some good players in there not playing too well at the moment,” said Megson, who led West Brom to the Premier League for the first time in 2002.

“They have to accept that. There is no point going on about how, before I arrived, they were doing it all the time.

“The important thing is here and now. We have players who I know can certainly play better. Other people know they can play better but, more importantly, they know they can play better.

Blunt

“They have to step up. They will be given the opportunity and they have to start playing like we know they can.

“Tony himself has said we have good players but in the position we are in at the moment, being perfectly blunt, we have some very good players not playing good at the moment.”

Megson returned to Albion in the summer as Pulis’ No.2 and revealed the sacked boss had been dealing with an illness to new grandson Nico, who is now on the mend.

“He’s having to cope with that on top of the football but the good news is that Nico’s doing OK,” said Megson.

Megson has taken over while the club search for the Welshman’s replacement but insists he has no interest in staying once a new boss is appointed. Former ® Brighton and Watford boss Oscar Garcia is the latest man to show an interest in succeeding Pulis but the Baggies are looking for a manager with Premier League experience.

Sam Allardyce and Alan Pardew are being considered, while Ronald Koeman would be a strong contender if they could persuade him back so soon after being axed by Everton.

Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill was linked with the job but he is not thought to be in the mix.

He has been offered a new six-year deal by the Irish FA to stay in his current job.

The Scottish FA are also keen on the 48-year-old, who they want to take over their national team.