Daryl a ‘big, big plus’ in U21s cameo
INJURY-HIT Baggies star
Daryl Dike came through a 45-minute run-out for the Under-21s without any adverse reaction.
The US striker made his highly-anticipated comeback in Monday night’s 5-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest at The Hawthorns – and scored Albion’s consolation goal from the penalty spot.
It was always the plan for Dike to play a single half and there were some bright moments during his cameo in front of watching head coach Carlos Corberan.
Completing the first half unscathed was the priority, though, and Under-21s boss Richard Beale confirmed he had done so.
It means Dike has an outside chance of being involved in
the Baggies’ final league game before the World Cup break, when they welcome Stoke to The Hawthorns on Saturday.
“We planned for him to play 45 minutes and to switch him with Kenneth (Zohore),” said Beale.
“That’s a positive for the club and Daryl to get him back on the pitch.
“He got the goal, it was a shame we couldn’t put on a better performance with him in the team.
“He’s a really good player, a multi-million-pound signing.
“Having Daryl Dike back fit, whenever he’s deemed fit enough to play for the first team, is a big, big plus.”
Dike and Zohore weren’t the only first-team players in action; defender Martin Kelly hasn’t played at all under Corberan, while David Button lost his place in goal to Alex Palmer last month.
Both got 90 minutes against Forest.
“David hasn’t played for a little while now, Daryl is back to fitness and Martin hasn’t played recently, neither has Ken, so it was a good vehicle to get them back fit and minutes under the belt,’’ added
Beale.