Koren's Blackpool boost

Last updated : 09 April 2008 By Wba-mad Editor

Slovenian international Robert Koren has told how Albion's dramatic comeback last night at Blackpool has given the whole squad a massive boost ahead of Saturday's visit of Watford (KO 17.20). Goals in the last nine minutes from Kevin Phillips and Ishmael Miller secured the top-spot for the first time since early February for the Baggies with Koren delighted to overcome the Seasiders just days after the disappointment of Wembley.

"We knew it would be a really tough game," Koren admitted.

"We had played at Wembley three days before so it was very difficult but we came through in the end and it was a good result, and a deserved one.

"In the second half we played much better and scored three goals.

"It was really important for us to get three points.

"All the players were really disappointed after the FA Cup but we knew that we needed to be focused on our league games and yesterday was a good comeback.

"It gave us great confidence and we're looking forward to the next game."

Albion could fall to second after Watford's clash with Barnsley tonight at Oakwell however, victories in the Baggies' final remaining games would see them gain the title, something Koren believes his team mates are more than capable of doing so.

"When you decide to play football you need to cope with the pressure," he continued.

"We knew at the start of the season that we wanted to go to the Premier League so the pressure has been there since then.

"Now we have come so far that we are top of the table and we need to do everything we can in the last five games to finish first in the league.

"The pressure is there but we need to cope with it.

"We are full of confidence so I don't see any problems with that."

Victory for Watford would set up a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash at The Hawthorns on Saturday with Koren expecting another difficult clash against Aidy Boothroyd's men.

""It will be a really tough game," the Slovenia international added.

"We know how they play so in the next three days we must try to prepare ourselves to stop them.

"But first we have to focus on ourselves and we have to create chances and score goals.

"Hopefully we can get three points at home in front of our fans.

"That is really important."