Robson thrilled with Kozak effect
Bryan Robson has praised the impact made by midfielder Jan Kozak since joining West Brom on loan from Artmedia Bratislava during the January transfer window.
The Slovakian international has operated in an attacking role behind lone striker Kevin Campbell in his two starts against Chelsea and Birmingham.
Robson described the 25-year-old as “the best finisher at the club” after the 1-1 draw with Blues at St Andrews on Saturday but his overall contribution has also earned plaudits from the Baggies manager.
Robson said: “Jan Kozak has a good football brain and he is a good passer of the ball. I am really pleased with him since he came to the club.
“He has had a couple of high-pressure games to start with against the league leaders and a big local derby, which aren’t the sort of games you can relax and enjoy yourself in, but he has done well.
“He has got a good temperament and excellent technique. Playing off a lone front man was the way Kozak played for Artmedia Bratislava all of the time.
“He has scored a lot of goals in that role. He knows where to go and how to get on the ball so he operates very well in that role.”
Robson, meanwhile, has praised the attitude and approach of Chris Kirkland, whose exclusion from the side because of the form of Tomasz Kuszczak has probably ended his hopes of being part of England’s World Cup squad.
Kirkland had re-established himself as number two behind Paul Robinson but his kidney injury and Kuszczak’s string of fine performances have restricted his performance to two FA Cup ties since October.
Robson said: “If Chris is down about England, he hasn’t shown it one little bit. He has got on with training really well. He has got a great attitude.
“He is wanting to work hard, to get his head down and try to get back in the team, but everyone knows Kuszczak is making that very difficult for him.”
