Albion players back Varela to shine
SILVESTRE Varela will become a 'big player' for Albion during the second-half of the season, so say some of his team-mates.The Portugal international's colleagues feel the winger can be a major force during the opening few months of 2015.
The 29-year-old, on loan from FC Porto, has had a frustrating opening to his season-long spell at The Hawthorns, having undergone a minor operation back in October.
But an encouraging first-ever Premier League start in Saturday's 1-0 win over Aston Villa has had Albion fans and players buzzing.
Here's what Albion's fellow first teamer have had to say:
Ben Foster:
"He had a fairly slow start to the season, I don't think he was up to full fitness to be honest with you, he had injuries as well.
"He was great last week as well and he always looks a threat and composed on the ball with a lot of skill. He is going to be a big player for us in the coming months."
Gareth McAuley:
"Silvestre’s a good player. We have been waiting a long time for Silv because he’s been coming back from that operation.
"So we’ve been waiting a while for him to come good but I think he showed on Saturday that he’s a good player and he’s one that the crowd will love.
"He gives us something different with his turning and ability to beat people and things like that.
"I spoke to him afterwards and asked him about the difference between playing in Portugal and playing here - he said ‘it’s quicker’.
"He comes in every morning and goes around everyone shaking hands. We try our best to communicate and a few of the lads speak Portuguese so he’s got a common language with a lot of the lads."
Craig Gardner:
"The whole team was brilliant but Silv came in and caused problems. Bobby (Brown Ideye) was very direct and they are getting fitter and fitter every week.
"He hasn't sulked, he has got on with it every day in training. The lads have been around him and all the players and we're trying to get the best out of each other."