PATRON SAINT OF GOALS
Big Sam warns Danny is doing great things
SAM ALLARDYCE has warned West Brom’s defence to be on their guard against a man he’s likened to England strike legend Michael Owen.
The Baggies’ chief says that Saints forward Danny Ings is ‘one of the best finishers in the game’ and has pinpointed the
England international as the man who can bring his side back to earth with a bump.
West Brom pulled off the shock of the season with their 5-2 win at Stamford Bridge last week and the veteran boss is trying to temper his excitement that the greatest escape of them all might still be on.
But he says that his side will have to be wary of a man he has saluted as being the real deal after working his way back to his best after a succession of injuries.
“Danny was a brilliant goalscorer at Burnley,” Allardyce said.
“He was such a good goalscorer that Liverpool saw those qualities. I always thought he was very much like Michael Owen.
“But for devastating injuries – it must have cost
him three seasons – he seemed to disappear off the map and have comeback after comeback.
“Eventually it was the loan to Southampton which gave him the opportunity to rediscover his confidence.
“Once he did, and if you a goalscorer like he is, once you are free from injuries – mentally as well as physically – that goalscoring ability never leaves you. He’s come back and he’s flying.”
Allardyce was as pleased as punch as he delivered his pre-match verdict and hinted that a three-point haul at The Hawthorns could set up a grandstand finale.
He added: “I don’t think the Chelsea lads expected it – I thought they were a bit shocked.
“Afterwards, I just wanted you guys not to make excuses for our victory not being down to the fact that they were down to 10 men because that would have been detrimental to the way we played against them.
“We played with 10 men at Burnley with 10 men after 15 minutes – and we battered them. We missed two sitters.
“If we win this one that gives us a bit more hope and then if we can win the next one after that... wow, we will have a chance.”