Wallwork backs Quashie to emulate last seaon's star

West Brom midfielder Ronnie Wallwork is confident Nigel Quashie can have as big an impact as Kieran Richardson 12 months ago in the battle to stay in the Premiership.

Richardson joined Albion on loan from Manchester United for the second half of last season and formed an impressive partnership in the centre of the park with Wallwork.

Now Wallwork is confident he can forge a similar understanding with Quashie, signed from Southampton last month, in the remaining three months of the season.

Wallwork had previously played with Scotland international Quashie at U20 level for England.

He said: “Nigel can definitely have the same kind of impact that Kieran Richardson had last season.

"He came in and did a great job for us.

“Nigel is a great player, I already knew that from playing alongside him in my younger days with England and he’s now also got the experience to go on top of that.

“He’s been to a few clubs, he’s been there and done it and there’s no reason why he can’t do the business for us as well.”

Wallwork knows the importance of Sunday’s home Premiership clash with fellow strugglers Middlesbrough as they look to recover from the 6-1 defeat at Fulham nearly a fortnight ago.

Albion have had a 16-day break from action while Boro have played two UEFA Cup matches with Stuttgart and an FA Cup tie at Preston during that period.

Wallwork said: “Middlesbrough will have had a tough game on Thursday against Stuttgart and hopefully they’ll be a bit tired on Sunday.

“Hopefully we can take advantage of that and we want to bounce back from the Fulham defeat. That was disappointing and we are all aware of the significance of Sunday’s game.

“Both sides will be desperate for the three points in the battle to stay in the Premiership.”

Albion will be boosted by the return of defender Paul Robinson who missed the mauling at Craven Cottage while serving a one-match suspension for incurring five bookings.

Kanu and Diomansy Kamara will both be available after their African Nations Cup exploits with Nigeria and Senegal respectively.