McClean praises work of Benitez ahead of visit from Baggies

WEST Brom’s James McClean has hailed the job Rafa Benitez has done at Newcastle United ahead of the Baggies’ trip to St James’ Park.

Benitez welcomes Darren Moore’s side to Tyneside tomorrow with the Midlands club all but relegated – while United are just one point from confirming safety.

Former Sunderland star McClean has praised the Spaniard for guiding Newcastle to 10th in the Premier League table.

“Rafa Benitez has done a great job,” he told West Brom’s website. “I watched the game against Everton the other night and they seem very hard to break down and they also pose a threat going forward.

“They’re safe now and they’ve had a great season, especially from December onwards.

“We know the task ahead, especially going there too because it’s very noisy, they’re very passionate and it’s a big stadium.

“So we’ll have a battle on our hands but with the results in the last couple of weeks we’re going there with confidence and hopefully we can build on the last few games.”

West Brom are eight points from safety with just nine to play for, meaning they could be relegated this weekend.

However, caretaker boss Moore has halted the slide towards the Championship – if just for a few weeks – with one win and two draws in the last three games, including victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.