WEST BROM MANAGER Steve Clarke says Steven Reid played 45 minutes against Arsenal with a broken leg.
The former Blackburn midfielder fractured his fibula during the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium on December 8, with Reid conceding a contested penalty after he was judged to have fouled Santi Carzola.
Reid returned to the Baggies side as a substitute during the FA Cup third-round replay defeat by QPR on Tuesday and manager Steve Clarke has hailed Reid’s mentality.
“He played for 45 minutes with a broken leg, which shows the character of the boy,” Clarke told reporters.
“We didn’t release the injury but it was a fractured fibula he got against Arsenal.”
Reid has had doubts raised over his desire to overcome injury setbacks in the past, and Clarke was keen to dispel any false rumours.
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“I’ve put it out there because I want people to see the character of the boy.
“Sometimes people think ‘Steven is always injured’ but he has an incredible strong mental strength and he wants to play.”
The utility man has suffered an injury-plagued season, only being able to make six appearances following three months on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.
Meanwhile, Clarke has told of having a ‘good chat’ with his in-demand striker Peter Odemwingie, following speculation that the Nigerian could move to QPR.
The 31-year-old forward has a year and a half left on his Baggies contract and was believed to have been the subject of a 2.5 million pounds bid from Harry Redknapp’s Rs.
However, his manager, Clarke, insisted that Odemwingie had nothing to say about the interest in him, instead focusing his attention on Saturday’s home match against Aston Villa.
“I spoke to Peter yesterday – I had a good chat with him,” Clarke told the Birmingham Mail.
“All he wanted to talk about was the game on Saturday. I’ve got no reason to doubt it.
“Queens Park Rangers are entitled to make their bids.
“Anyone can do that – they made an enquiry, a bid, they went through the official channels. It’s easy for us to say no.
“The players know what the situation is (regarding their prospects of being sold).”
Clarke also revealed that midfielder Graham Dorrans may be forced to remain at the Hawthorns, unless the club receive a suitable offer.
“It’s not right if we say there is any interest,” added Clarke.
“His situation is different. He was frustrated before Christmas because he wasn’t playing.
“He wanted to play regular football – he’s playing regular football now so maybe he’ll tough it out with us for the rest of the season.”
Clarke: Reid played against Arsenal with a broken leg
WEST BROM MANAGER Steve Clarke says Steven Reid played 45 minutes against Arsenal with a broken leg.
The former Blackburn midfielder fractured his fibula during the 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium on December 8, with Reid conceding a contested penalty after he was judged to have fouled Santi Carzola.
Reid returned to the Baggies side as a substitute during the FA Cup third-round replay defeat by QPR on Tuesday and manager Steve Clarke has hailed Reid’s mentality.
“He played for 45 minutes with a broken leg, which shows the character of the boy,” Clarke told reporters.
Reid has had doubts raised over his desire to overcome injury setbacks in the past, and Clarke was keen to dispel any false rumours.
“I’ve put it out there because I want people to see the character of the boy.
The utility man has suffered an injury-plagued season, only being able to make six appearances following three months on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.
Meanwhile, Clarke has told of having a ‘good chat’ with his in-demand striker Peter Odemwingie, following speculation that the Nigerian could move to QPR.
The 31-year-old forward has a year and a half left on his Baggies contract and was believed to have been the subject of a 2.5 million pounds bid from Harry Redknapp’s Rs.
However, his manager, Clarke, insisted that Odemwingie had nothing to say about the interest in him, instead focusing his attention on Saturday’s home match against Aston Villa.
“All he wanted to talk about was the game on Saturday. I’ve got no reason to doubt it.
“Queens Park Rangers are entitled to make their bids.
“Anyone can do that – they made an enquiry, a bid, they went through the official channels. It’s easy for us to say no.
“The players know what the situation is (regarding their prospects of being sold).”
Clarke also revealed that midfielder Graham Dorrans may be forced to remain at the Hawthorns, unless the club receive a suitable offer.
“His situation is different. He was frustrated before Christmas because he wasn’t playing.
“He wanted to play regular football – he’s playing regular football now so maybe he’ll tough it out with us for the rest of the season.”
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Stalwart Steve Clarke Steven Reid West Brom