Clem reveals his true colours

Returning defender Neil Clement has expressed his delight after helping Albion claim three dramatic points against Colchester on Saturday. Albion's longest serving player had been on loan at Hull City until his return only last week with Tony Mowbray calling on 'Clem's' services as an impressive second-half substitute.

"It's good to be back," Clement beamed.

"I'm pleased because I've been here a long time and I enjoy it.

"I found out I was being recalled on Thursday.

"I was pleased to go on loan to Hull because I had had such a bad injury.

"When that happens, there are always doubts in your own mind about how things are going to pan out.

"But I went up there, was playing three games a week, and I'd like to think I helped them in their recent run of form.

"But my heart's here and I'm glad to be back.

"It did cross my mind that it might not happen for me again at Albion.

"But I went on loan with a view to getting match fit, coming back and giving it a crack here.

"The manager said I had a future here and that's all I needed to hear from him.

"When I joined Hull, I was very hungry because I knew if I didn't do well I might not get another chance here given the quality and strength we've got.

"So I'm pleased to be back and to get another chance."

The former Chelsea man is hoping the late comeback can now spur the Baggies on in the remaining fixtures but concedes work still needs to be cut out the amount of sloppy goals which have blighted Albion's season.

"It was sloppy, really, against a team who, with all due respect, have been on the end of a few hidings this season," 'Clem' continued.

"We have to be disappointed at going 2-0 and 3-2 down, especially conceding from two set-pieces, which have been an issue for us.

"The main thing is we must learn from our mistakes and make sure we don't repeat them against Cardiff on Tuesday.

"We are in touch with the top three and have two games in hand."