Hard-hit Bruce’s big Call
STEVE BRUCE is poised to call Callum Robinson in from the cold as he battles to solve a striker crisis.
West Brom’s chief looks set to make a U-turn on the Republic of Ireland striker who appeared surplus to requirements.
Robinson, 27, was up for grabs in the close season but the Baggies did not receive an offer sufficient to tempt them – even though he appeared odds-on to return to Preston.
That move didn’t materialise and Bruce’s bestlaid plans have been shot after a wretched run.
Striker Daryl Dike has suffered a thigh injury that will sideline him for two months and fellow forward Karlan Grant limped out of Thursday night’s Carabao Cup victory over Sheffield United.
It is unlikely Bruce will take a chance aggravating any problem so early in the season.
That has left him seriously short of options and he made a last-ditch bid to sign Aston Villa’s Keinan Davis on loan.
The veteran Geordie boss handed Davis his big chance when in charge at Villa Park.
But Watford pipped him to the post as they sought a replacement for Emmanuel Dennis, who is bound for Nottingham Forest in a £20million deal.
And Bruce is expecting a tough test at Ewood Park.
He said: “They’ve been very, very good – totally different to what they were last year. A new manager, different ideas. They’ve got some good players at the top end of the pitch.
“They’ve had a good start, but so have we and even though we haven’t got the results, I’ve been pleased with the performances so far.”
Blackburn boss Jon Dahl Tomasson said: “We’re looking forward to the game against what is a good side.
“I always try to prepare the team as well as possible and do the right things.
“That makes the tough games easier.”