Darren Moore: West Brom form keeping Dwight Gayle out
Albion boss Darren Moore insists joint-top scorer Dwight Gayle having to settle for a place on the bench shows how well his side have been performing.
Gayle, who has chipped in with nine goals since joining on loan from Newcastle and recently recovered from a calf injury, has been among the substitutes for the last three league games.
The Baggies have won all three of those – the latest success being a 2-1 victory at Swansea on Wednesday night.
“Dwight’s back. He’s been on the bench,” said Moore.
“I’m not sure if it’s going to stay that way, but he’s been on the bench in recent weeks and it’s credit to the boys, the way they’ve been performing.
“They’ve really applied themselves in the right manner.
“They’ve been a credit to themselves – for how they’ve gone about things, showing us what they’ve got.
“It’s a squad and the rest of the players are there, chomping at the bit for the opportunity got get in.
“We’ll see fit as the games go by, with the all games we’ve got coming up.”
While Gayle – on the same amount of goals as Jay Rodriguez, who has been leading the line in recent weeks – is keen to get back in the team, Moore says he is not the type to spit the dummy out.
“Dwight has been absolutely superb. He’s an affectionate character. He’s bubbly, he’s energetic,” said Moore.
“There are others around the place who are superb, wonderful characters.
“They all want to play. As long as they’ve got that hunger and desire, it bodes well for the team – and the club.”
Meanwhile, Moore provided an update on the fitness of centre-half Kyle Bartley.
The 27-year-old has been dealing with injury – and probably will not recover in time for Monday’s clash with Brentford at The Hawthorns.
“For Monday, the only one who the game might come to early for is Kyle, really,” added Moore.
“He’s on his way back, but the fixture might come a little too early.
“Other than that, I believe we have a clean bill of health.”
