Source: FOOTYMAD
Reid expecting tough test
Midfielder says Baggies face difficult derby Steven Reid believes Albion will face a ‘massive test’ against Midlands rivals Birmingham City this Saturday (KO 3pm). The Blues have strengthened in the summer after seeing major investment in the club from their new Chinese owners. After Albion’s impressive draw against Tottenham and Blues’ stalemate against Liverpool last weekend, Reid says confidence is high in the Albion camp but still expects a tough afternoon. “More and more Premier League clubs are getting major investment these days,” said the former Ireland international. “No disrespect to Birmingham but they’ve just brought in a player in Hleb who was playing for Barcelona and was at Arsenal before that. “To get world-class players in shows how far the Premier League has come and where Birmingham are as a club so they will pose a massive test for us. “To have players of that ilk is good for Birmingham. “It makes our job harder perhaps but we go into the game with confidence.” He added: “I’ve never really had many derbies, “We had a couple of Lancashire ones such as Burnley, when I was at Blackburn. “There was also Bolton but they’re not as big as the ones round here with the likes of Villa, Wolves and Birmingham. “I’m looking forward to the first derby “I didn’t have any last season when we were in the Championship so I’m really looking forward to this one on Saturday. “It’s about getting the result. The fans will obviously have a more personal agenda but for us it’s a chance to get three points.”
