Diangana has started as he means to go on
GRADY Diangana hopes to build on his goalscoring league debut for West Bromwich Albion – without having to rely on good luck charms.
The 21-year-old attacker stepped off the bench to score two goals in three minutes at Luton on Saturday as Slaven Bilic’s side recorded backto-back 2-1 away victories.
Diangana’s family watched with great pride from the stands, just as they did when he bagged a brace in his first game for West Ham’s senior side in September last year.
“I saw my little brothers and my sister and I think my mum and dad were here as well so it was cool,” said the England Under-20 international.
“They were there for that (Hammers debut) as well. They might come to every game! I don’t know what it is, but if I can score goals more consistently I’d be even happier.”
The circumstances were slightly different for wide man Diangana, who made his Baggies debut in last week’s Carabao Cup match against Millwall after joining on loan from West Ham on deadline day.
“This one we were down by one and the emotion was there to get another goal,” he said. “The West Ham one, that was my first time playing senior football, it was my home team where I came through, so it was a different feeling.
“Against Luton it was another amazing feeling and definitely one of the best moments in my career.”
Albion’s hero at the Hatters announced himself with a fabulous finish from outside the box and a clever header, to turn in Filip Krovinovic’s deflected shot, that owed as much to timing as improvisation.
“The first one, I had a one-v-one, Diangana said. “He gave me a little bit of time to shift and shoot. I hoped it would go in and it did.
“The second one I was really happy with because I’m happy I got into that position. I’m usually out wide so to be in that position was really pleasing.’’
In addition to the goals, Diangana so nearly capped his first Championship match with a wonderful assist.
After controlling a long punt forward with sublime skill, he raced down the right wing and pulled the ball back invitingly for Charlie Austin, whose first-time shot rattled the near post.
It was the kind of combination Albion fans will hope to see plenty more of this season, starting with Saturday’s trip to Derby County (12.30).
“Hopefully next time he puts it in,” said Woolwich-born winger Diangana. “It’s good to have team-mates who are on the same wavelength so we can play together. He’s a very open person.
“You can chat to him about anything. He’s spoken to me about different movements and patterns in the final third, how I can get it to him and how we can work together.”
Ahmed Hegazi is ‘crying’ to come back from his injury, according to boss Slaven Bilic.
The West Brom defender won’t be available until after September’s international break at the earliest, having undergone ankle surgery following his African Nations Cup campaign with Egypt this summer.
Bilic is looking forward to having Hegazi at his disposal and has revealed the player is champing at the bit to be involved once again.
The head coach also offered updates on Gareth Barry, who is still training with the club with a view to a one-year deal, and Hal Robson Kanu. The Welshman was absent for the win over Luton on Saturday.
“With Hegazi, he’s ahead of the schedule,” Bilic said. “It’s still four or five weeks. He’s a good professional – he’s crying to come back. It’s great to have somebody like that in the squad.
“Barry is closer. Everything is going according to plan. He is strengthening his quad to make less pressure on his knee. He’s getting there.
“Hal is better, but he’s still not 100 per cent fit.
“We have to be very cautious. He’s a bit sore, but the disc (in his back) is all right and that’s the most important thing. We don’t want to rush Hal.”
Bilic was hoping Robson-Kanu could start training this week.