Former Baggies Ace Stars At World Cup

Former Baggies star Robert Koren has got his countries World Cup campaign off to a flyer in South Africa. Koren`s 20 yard shot slipped through, Algeria keeper, Faouzi Chaouchi`s clutches and into a gaping net.

Slovenia now top Group C after their 1-0 victory over lowly Algeria, ahead of England and USA, and will go into their game with the U.S full of confidence after taking their first 3 points in the country`s history in the World Cup.

No doubt questions have and will be asked as to why the midfielder was released from the club this summer. The clubs officials offered the following explanation;

Sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth told the club website: 'Robert has been a great servant to the club and we would like to thank him for all his efforts.

'He scored some important goals for us and has been very professional in everything he has done.
'However, on our return to the Premier League we have to try and get the balance of the squad right and we feel we are best served concentrating our available resources into other areas of the squad.
'We also have to be aware of the new Premier League rules regarding the number of home-grown players that must be included in the squad.'
Manager Roberto Di Matteo added: 'I would like to thank Robert for his contribution and professionalism and wish him well for the World Cup and the future.'

Koren scored 22 goals in 149 appearances for the Baggies and has twice helped the club achieve promotion to the top flight.

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