By Martyn Cotterill
December 13 2004

Bryan Robson has today given Baggies fans a piece of festive cheer, with the news that “inspirational” midfielder Jason Koumas is very much a part of his future plans. The gifted Welsh international has so far struggled to regain some of the form that has seen him produce match-winning performance in recent seasons. However, Robson’s comments today confirm that Koumas’ own confidence has been the major contributing factor in his disappointing start to the current campaign.

It has also emerged that a rift with former manager Gary Megson had led to Koumas being forced to train with the youth team up until three weeks ago, when Robson took the helm. But although the change in the managerial set-up has led to renewed hope for Koumas, Robson has stressed that he has a lot of work to do on his fitness before he is able to be reconsidered for the first team.

"He had lost that edge and his fitness because he had fallen out with the manager and was training with the kids and hadn't been involved in many games this season," said Robson.

"As a player you want to know whether you are in the manager's plans - and I've told Jason that he is in my plans. With the ability he's got he should be a big influence on us."
"So I had a chat with Jason and told him he's got to work very hard in training and impress in the reserve-team games.
"I don't know him as a character. I've only been with him three weeks but he hasn't caused me a minute's problem." Robson added.
Koumas has been linked with a move away from the Hawthorns, with Everton being mooted as potential suitors. And with the Toffees invigorated finances since the sale of Wayne Rooney to Manchester United, and with David Moyes publicly commenting on his admiration for the player, Albion fans across the globe will welcome today’s comments. Lets just hope that the faith Robson has shown in Koumas leads to a vast improvement in performances, and we start see the ability that we all know he has in abundance.
Let’s face it, in the modern game; second chances do not come around every day!

News in Brief

Popular defender Larus Sigurdsson has been forced to retire from professional football due a persistent knee ligament injury. “The Iceman” was signed from Stoke City for £350,000 in 1999 and proved a hit with the Albion fans after demonstrating solid displays alongside a number of central defensive partners. Sigurdsson will now move back to Reykjavik with his family, and Baggiesworld.co.uk would like to wish him all the very best for the future.

Bryan Robson has dismissed reports the Geoff Horsfield could be in line with a return to the North of England with Sheffield United and has accused Blades manager Neil Warnock of being “mischievous”. Robson said: "I think someone is just being a bit mischievous from a First Division club. We've got four strikers in the club and until that January transfer window comes open, there is no way I would change that."

Nigerian striker Nwankwo Kanu could be in line for a return to the starting line-up against Portsmouth on Saturday after shaking off the groin strain that kept him out of last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United at the Hawthorns. Boss Bryan Robson must now decide whether to replace Robert Earnshaw with Kanu after the pintsize Welshmen failed to register against Sir. Alex Ferguson’s men, or revert to a double strike partnership.