G-FORCE BAGGIES Gayle and Gibbs bash Lions
DARREN MOORE was full of praise for unlikely goal hero Kieran Gibbs.
West Brom’s former Arsenal and England fullback Gibbs made the game safe after Dwight Gayle had broken Millwall’s resistance.
Gibbs’ career has often flattered to deceive – 10 years with the Gunners bringing as many England caps – but boss Moore says his player is right at home at The Hawthorns.
“Is he underrated? We think Kieran is an excellent player,” said Moore.
“His calmness and composure on the ball is excellent. Kieran’s understanding of the game and his intelligence is excellent.
“And he has represented his country 10 times, so somewhere along the line he must be a good player and we are pleased to have him at West Brom.
“He is an absolute joy to work with and he has shown his class and his understanding already this season. Long may it continue.”
A cagey game was brought to life after the break when Ahmed Hegazi’s 68th-minute header was parried skywards by Ben Amos and Gayle tapped in as the ball dropped back to earth.
Gibbs struck eight minutes later after being left unmarked in the box to finish Tyrone Mears’ cross.
Millwall rarely threatened although Jed Wallace fired over from 18 yards and saw a 35-yard lob headed over an unguarded net by Craig Dawson following Sam Johnstone’s woeful clearance.
However, Millwall boss Neil Harris was proud of his men, who face Fulham in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday on the back of six Championship games without a win. “When we are so good, as we were at times in the first half, we have to be clinical,” he said.
“Then at the other end, when things aren’t going for you... it really kicks you when you are down.”
Harris believes the Baggies will be in the shake-up for an instant return to the Premier League come May.
“They are just a goal threat,” he said.
“They have got fantastic players and Darren Moore has done great to hang on to some of them.
“Gayle and Harvey Barnes are excellent.
“There is a group of players there with Premier League qualities.
“You know you have to be at your best to compete with West Brom.”