Sunday 25 January 2015 10:57, UK
West Brom manager Tony Pulis says FA Cup match-winner Victor Anichebe could be ‘unplayable’ if he can remain fit.
The striker netted a first-half double to give the Baggies a 2-1 fourth-round win over Birmingham at St Andrew's.
The challenge now for Pulis is to keep him fit as he has battled groin problems this season and went to the USA for a boot camp in November to try to improve his fitness
"I don't think anyone has ever questioned Victor's ability, the big thing is keeping him fit and getting him fit,” said Pulis.
"He is still nowhere near and if you get him to that level I'm sure he'd be unplayable at times. We are coming in halfway through a season so most of the work has been done, you'd love to have him for pre-season and get him fit.
"He is a good lad and is one of those if you sit down and talk to him he's responsive. We have to get him a bit fitter."
Despite the win and Anichebe's excellent showing, Pulis said there is still a need to strengthen the squad in January.
"The Premier League is a bit different to what we faced here. We have to get some players in, there are certain weaknesses in the team," he said.
"The team is unbalanced in a way we have to sort out. We have to put certain things in place to make us a team which is going to be good in possession and out of possession. It's a massive 10 days for the club and I hope and pray things will drop for us."
Anichebe’s double ensured the Baggies remain unbeaten under Pulis but they were made to work hard for the win after Jonathan Grounds scored for the Blues just before half-time.
It was only a third defeat in 14 games for Birmingham manager Gary Rowett and he said he was still pleased with his side's performance.
"I thought we shouldn't have been 2-0 down, that was my biggest disappointment, the way we allowed them to score the two goals. We gave them too much respect at times," he said.
"The second half was as good as we have played this season, we have pinned in and dominated a very good West Brom side."
