Steve Bruce drops system hint as he waits on West Brom victory

Steve Bruce has indicated that he’ll have a rethink as regards to West Bromwich Albion’s set-up after seeing his side battle to an uneventful, goalless draw with Blackburn Rovers on Monday night.

Albion were limp in the final third - despite the best efforts of Andy Carroll - and held third placed Rovers at arms’ length for the most part of the fixture at The Hawthorns, but it’s now four games without a goal for this side - though the clean sheet and point earned does at least stop the rot.

Bruce was pleased enough with the spirit of the display, but the problem is staring the new boss in the face - and, unlike predecessor Valerien Ismael, he will consider a switch in formation if it means suiting the players better and bearing fruit.

“It’s a small step. I couldn’t fault their effort or endeavour,” Bruce said, reflecting on proceedings. “I think both sides struggled to create any real opportunities.

“I thought we might have nicked it at the end when it was off the line – that was the closest we came. There are plenty of positives but I have to look at the situation to see if 4-3-3 really suits us with what we have available because we have to find a way of creating more opportunities in the final third.

“There are times when we have been unfortunate. The kid we signed from America – pulling his hamstring in only his second game. Matt Phillips is another one – they are all forward players who have been brought to the club to give you that quality in the last third.”

Having lost each of their last three games 2-0, Albion were unquestionably better defensively here. Semi Ajayi and Matt Clarke struggled at Sheffield United, but they were more assured across the piece.

Bruce also had Dara O’Shea to call upon and Kyle Bartley