McClean targets more assists for West Brom

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The winger set-up Salomon Rondon for the Baggies winner against Crystal Palace on Saturday

Bagging Baggies assists – James McClean (L)

James McClean has told West Brom’s official club website that he wants improve his numbers in terms of assists this season.

The Republic of Ireland international was the architect of West Brom’s winner against Crystal Palace on Saturday, whipping in an excellent free-kick for powerful forward Salomon Rondon, whose header turned out to be the only goal of the game.

That goal saw McClean open his assists account for the new campaign, and the former Wigan wideman is determined to improve on his return from last season, where he only laid on two goals all year.

Determined to improve – James McClean

“Last season I didn’t get as many assists as I would’ve liked. It’s a case of starting the season as I mean to go on in terms of creating opportunities for my team-mates,” McClean said.

“I was pleased to see Salo finish off my free-kick which gave us the win. I nearly got him in a second time at Palace too.

“Hopefully I can help the team out with a few more assists and goals during this campaign.”

James McClean started on the bench for West Brom

McClean will need to be on top of his game if he wants to maintain a first team spot on the Baggies flanks, with competition from new signing Matt Phillips and youngster Jonathan Leko both pressing to make Tony Pulis’ first eleven.

The Irish winger started on the bench against Palace, with Phillips and Craig Gardner starting ahead of him, and competition may yet still increase with the potential arrival of Leicester winger Jeffrey Schlupp.

Leicester’s Jeffrey Schlupp

The Ghanaian is thought to have caught the eye of the hierarchy at the Hawthorns, with the Baggies having a bid of £9 million rejected last month, although a new bid of £11 million is thought to have been posited, according to the Birmingham Mail.