Clarke unfazed by Long on song

West Brom boss Steve Clarke has defended his players’ right to enjoy a Christmas party in Dublin despite the team’s poor form — and even praised striker Shane Long’s street busking.

Clarke allowed his squad to travel to Dublin for a night out after Saturday’s loss to Norwich, which was their third Premier League defeat in a week. The trip made the news as striker Long, playing a guitar, and goalkeeper Boaz Myhill were pictured busking in the streets of the capital.