Steve Bruce explains Taylor Gardner-Hickman decision & what he 'won't accept' at West Brom

Steve Bruce has praised Taylor Gardner-Hickman for his role in West Bromwich Albion’s recent upturn in fortunes.

Gardner-Hickman has started the Baggies’ last three games against Hull City, Huddersfield Town and Fulham. Albion have taken seven points from those nine games, and Taylor-Hickman played a starring role in the 1-0 win over Championship leaders Fulham on Tuesday.

The switch to a 3-5-2 formation, which sees Gardner-Hickman taking on the bulk of the legwork in the engine room, has also brought the best out of midfield duo Jake Livermore and Alex Mowatt. And Bruce has been pleased with the 20-year-old’s performances in recent weeks.

“There’s nothing like a young one,” said Bruce. “In the 20 years I’ve been going, when you’re up against it, introduce a young one to the supporters. The youngster gives you an instant energy and appetite which supporters associate with. And being one of them, the kid has had a really good week. I’m sure he’s delighted.”

Albion need to maintain their upturn in form at Ashton Gate on Saturday when they face 18th-placed Bristol City. The Robins have lost four of their last five games, but their recent 1-0 win over promotion-chasing Blackburn Rovers suggests Albion’s task won’t be plain sailing.

The Baggies are, however, in a much better place than they were three weeks ago when Bruce’s team lost 2-0 to Swansea City in front of a furious Hawthorns crowd. “I think there’s been a few harsh truths spoken,” said Bruce. “It wasn’t acceptable and I think they realised that.

“The performance against Swansea… you can get beat in a football match, but it’s the manner sometimes, and the manner of it upset everybody. It might have been the low point - well I hope it is anyway. We’ve had a