Koren hails team spirit

Slovenian international Robert Koren has admitted the 'family' feel of the Albion squad has helped the club overcome its recent injury nightmare. The Baggies travelled to Leicester with NINE players unavailable for the game however still managed a 2-1 victory over the foxes to bridge the gap on leaders Watford.

With players returning from injury and suspension in time for the hectic Christmas period, Koren believes the togetherness of the squad will hold the team in good stead for the rest of the campaign.

"The last three weeks have been tough but there's a week's gap before the next game and we need to rest a little bit," The midfielder said.

"We need to do the right things, be professional and just cope.

"A lot of players are due back from injury so we will have a big squad again.

"I'm not worried.

"We were doing really well and then we got injuries and a couple of suspensions.

"But we have a big squad and everyone who has come in has done well."

Albion had Luke Steele, Shelton Martis and Jared Hodgkiss making their first-team debuts for the club, however Koren firmly believes the quality and bond between players has helped in the face of adversity.

"At Leicester the lads who played for the first time showed they can play in this team and we're looking forward to the next game," Koren continued

"We really enjoy training, matches and being together off the pitch.

"We are like a family and we are showing that in games.

"We help each other in matches.

"We have a really good spirit this year and we're looking forward to the future."