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On Easter Monday, James Shan chose to give game time to some of his fringe players against Reading.
The decision wasn’t vindicated too much as the club drew 0-0 but it would have been an educational outing for the West Brom manager.
Albion secured their play-off spot with the point they earned at the Den and, with it, Shan was able to get some of the squad players up to speed at what is a defining moment in their season.
A performance that will have pleased him significantly was that of Conor Townsend, who looked far more comfortable in a slightly more advanced role. However, his competition comes in the form of a player who still looks every bit a Premier League player.
On the chalkboard
Given Townsend’s terrible display at Bristol City a few weeks ago, his performance against Millwall was encouraging. It’s something that has the potential to now give Shan a selection headache at left wing back.
West Brom have improved considerably since switching to a three-man defence and the change of system has been timely for Kieran Gibbs’ return. He’s someone who will now stand in the way of Townsend.
Possessing the qualities that would suit most top-flight teams, the ex-Arsenal player somehow stayed at the Baggies last summer after their relegation, and it’s no surprise, therefore, to see that he’s a cut above in the Championship.
Against Hull on Good Friday he was one of the stand out players as he found the net for his fourth of the campaign and with it showed how imperative he is to the West Brom team.
His threat with Matt Phillips on the left-hand side was vital earlier in the campaign and, since injuries disrupted their partnership, Albion’s attack has looked far worse.
But now the ten cap star has returned, he is set to play a pivotal part in determining whether West Brom can make an instant return to the top flight.
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Townsend’s improved display on Monday may have given Shan some food for thought, but Gibbs simply has to be reinstated and it would be foolish to think otherwise.
The left-wing-back is now 29 which is rather surprising and you have to wonder whether he’ll be packing his bags at the end of the season if the Baggies don’t go up.
