AUSTIN’S HEAVEN!
...but two-goal Charlie must settle for role as Bilic’s supersub
CHARLIE AUSTIN was West Bromwich Albion’s hero again after coming on in the second half to turn this derby — but manager Slaven Bilic says he must continue warming the bench.
Austin, 30, equalised with his first touch i n the 73rd minute and grabbed the winner eight minutes later to make it six goals in his last five games and send West Brom to the top of the table.
Five of those appearances have been as a substitute — and Albion boss Bilic says that is where the £4million striker will remain, with Hal Robson-Kanu being his first choice up front.
‘I’m sure he would rather start but it’s great to have that kind of a player,’ said Bilic. ‘ That’s what Hal was doing for a few games as well. He came off the bench and scored against Stoke, Middlesbrough away and a few games.
‘ Now Hal has got his chance and deserved it. But it is impossible to play with one striker and in every club you have to share it around.’
Bilic reckons Austin is a class act, though. His first goal was an unstoppable shot on the turn that ripped into the top corner of the net after the striker turned Geraldo Bajrami. His second was a downward header after pulling away from Maxime Colin from Darnell Furlong’s cross.
‘The first goal is pure class, the second some may say, it was an easy finish, but his movement to get away from the defender was class,’ said Bilic. ‘The ball was good and he doesn’t miss those chances.
‘It’s great when your strikers are scoring. Charlie has scored six in five, Hal is scoring goals, and you can’t beat that.’
West Brom twice came from behind and Bilic hailed his team’s never- say- die attitude as they made it 12 games unbeaten and 30 points from the last 36 available. ‘I would rather have the option of taking the lead than to be losing,’ added the Croatian.
‘But our belief comes from recent games, so you have confidence, you don’t have to rush, just play your football, and this game will also help.’
West Brom’s only disappointment was losing winger Diangana to a hamstring injury. ‘He is having a scan, he pulled it but it’s not like a big one,’ said Bilic.
Birmingham led at the start of both halves through headers from Lukas Jutkiewicz and Harlee Dean, but Diangana levelled to set up the chance for Austin’s heroics.
Birmingham manager Pep Clotet admitted Austin was the difference between the sides.
‘They had three shots on target and they scored three goals — Austin came on and had that cutting edge that made a little bit of difference,’ he said.
Birmingham had only themselves to blame after Kristian Pedersen and Jeremie Bela missed good opportunities to score. ‘ I think Kristian’s was a clear chance and Bela probably in the end as well,’ said Clotet. ‘ Despite when t hey turned the game and were winning 3-2 I think we did enough to try to get back.’