West Bromwich Albion

Keith Downing: 'Nicolas Anelka has important part to play'

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 24 December 2013

West Brom caretaker boss Keith Downing insists that Nicolas Anelka could have a big role to play over the Christmas fixtures despite his failure to find the net thus far.

West Bromwich Albion caretaker manager Keith Downing has insisted that goalless striker Nicolas Anelka can play a major role in their Christmas fixtures.

The 34-year-old has yet to score for the Baggies, who travel to London sides Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United in the space of five days this festive season, since joining them on a free transfer in the summer.

Anelka has not featured since October due to a groin injury, and has since been overtaken in the pecking order by Shane Long, Victor Anichebe, Saido Berahino and Matej Vydra, but Downing, who is at the Albion helm after the sacking of Steve Clarke, has hinted that the Frenchman is ready for a potential recall.

"He's preparing for the two games and bearing in mind he's nearer the end of his career, in his mid-thirties, you've got to respect that," Downing told reporters.

"We're doing that and he'll have some sort of important part to play in the next couple of games."

Anelka has made seven Premier League appearances this term without finding the net.