Kanu Can Inspire

29 year old Nigerian international striker Kanu has been pinpointed by Robson as the man who could inspire The Baggies this season to once again defy the critics and stay up. Despite only 3 goals in 30 appearances last season, Robson remains convinced of the strikers credentials.

He said 'Kanu has fantastic ability to keep the ball, bring people into the game and create chances. The only thing I've said he needs to do to get back to the reputation he had as a kid is that he has to score more goals. But on the training pitch, no-one can live with him and what he does. Myself included; I could never have lived with him and some of the skills he displays and things that he does in training. It's like watching Eric Cantona and Paul Gascoigne. They were amazing players on the training ground. Kanu is the same around here. Some of his skills are amazing.'

Robson admits it has taken a while for Kanu to get used to life at the Baggies, but says now his injury is clearing up he will once again play a vital role for us.

'It's just taken time for him to know what his role within a club like this is. We know we're not going to win major honours. What we want to do is climb away from fighting relegation every season. He can retain the ball better than any of the other players. That's why, when the big games come along, I invariably pick Kanu because that is where he belongs.'