Pulis Double-speaks Over Anichebe -Praises Striker’s Goals, Says He’s Unfit Wet Bromwich Albion of England striker, Victor Anichebe has received words of cheer and aspersion in a single breath from his club gaffer, Tony Pulis, following the Nigerian star’s sterling goals at the weekend; as the gaffer says he is happy to see his player score but interjected that the lad is not fit enough for top-flight action. In what could be an explanation of his decision to play Anichebe only as a bit-part impact player in The Baggies’ squad, Pulis said he is delighted to see the former Super Eagles striker hit the net, but insists the star’s history of injuries make him as suspect for fitness setbacks. Pulis was speaking after the 26-year-old former Everton of England hitman scored a first half brace to help WBA defeat their neighbors, Birmingham City 2-1 and advance to the last 16 of the English FA Cup after the away fixture at St. Andrew’s Stadium . The effort means Anichebe now has seven goals to his name in all competitions since he joined West Brom from Everton in the summer of 2013 and, though Pulis has revealed that the match hero is not fully fit, he still showered encomiums on the Beijing 2008 Olympics silver medalist. Anichebe has battled groin problems this season and went to America for a boot camp in November to try to improve his fitness, but already has three goals in four games under Pulis, despite having previously scored just four times in his entire Albion spell. While Pulis also says Anichebe has the potential to be unplayable, having missed portions of the season with recurring groin injuries, forcing him to the United States in November for rehabilitation, the coach believes the striker is worth persevering with. With that in view, the former Stoke City gaffer is now ready to give Anichebe benefit of the doubt, with a verdict that the barrel-chested attacker could be even more lethal in front of goal once he can overcome his injuries and get back to top fitness in the coming weeks. I dont think anyone has ever questioned Victors ability, the big thing is keeping him fit and getting him fit. He is still nowhere near and if you get him to that level Im sure hed be unplayable at times. We are coming in halfway through a season so most of the work has been done, youd love to have him for preseason and get him fit. He is a good lad and is one of those if you sit down and talk to him hes responsive. We have to get him a bit fitter, Pulis said.
Posted on: Sun, 25 Jan 2015 20:03:22 +0000
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