Roberto Di Matteo claims Robert Koren still has a major part to play in his plans despite newspaper speculation linking the Slovenian captain with a January move away from The Hawthorns. The midfielder has struggled to find a regular starting berth this season due to the impressive form of Youssouf Mulumbu, Graham Dorrans and Gonzalo Jara plus his own injury problems.
The former Lillestrom midfielder has himself expressed his disappointment at his lack of game time as he hopes to captain his country at this year’s World Cup. However Baggies boss Di Matteo has insisted Koren will get his opportunity as the season progresses.
After recovering from a hernia operation the versatile midfielder’s return was curtailed due to a knee injury but still managed a 24 minute cameo during the 2-0 victory over Huddersfield in the FA Cup third-round.
"He has been out for quite a long spell so it was good to see him back,” Di Matteo
"I put him on the pitch to give him a few minutes and he is another player who will be important for us.
"We have said from day one that everybody is important and we will need everybody.
"People who are not playing just have to believe they can get into the team and stay in.
"There will be a lot of opportunities in the second half of the season."