Robbo rules out Rich return

West Brom boss Bryan Robson has conceded that he will not be able to lure Kieran Richardson back to The Hawthorns in January.

The Manchester United midfielder played a pivotal role in West Brom's successful battle to beat the drop last term and Robson had been hopeful of securing his services again this season, in a similar loan deal.

However, Richardson stated in the summer that he was determined to prove himself at Old Trafford and having been handed his chance due to a series of injuries, the versatile performer has established himself in Sir Alex Ferguson's first team squad.

Often operating at left back in Gabriel Heinze's absence, Richardson's adaptability has impressed Sven Goran Eriksson enough to grant the player a regular place in his squad - leaving Robson to reflect that he would have little chance of enticing him to the Midlands in January.

"When I spoke to Sir Alex in the summer, he didn't want to sell Kieran,'' said Robson. ''It was a definite no.

''He also didn't want him out on loan and that is where the situation is. I don't think that will change because United have got a fair few injuries.

''Kieran has been involved in virtually every game. I don't think there are any legs in that one.

"He keeps getting into the England squad, he is getting his chance with United so good luck to him. He did a terrific job when he was here.

"If Sir Alex thought he wasn't going to be in his plans for the season, I'm sure he would have given me a call and given me the first opportunity to take Kieran. I've basically written that one off."

West Brom play Everton on Saturday, live on Prem Plus, with the game already shaping up to be the proverbial six-pointer, which has not been lost on Robson.

''People at the start of the season were saying Wigan were a team you've got to beat, as they will be down there with you,'' Robson told Sky Sports News.

''Well at this stage they're not, Everton are. It is a strange one after they finished in the Champions League last year.

''They've got some very good players, are a big strong side and we have to match them but it's a game at The Hawthorns that we can do well in.''