Swansea City headlines as Steve Bruce defiant amid West Brom 'collapse' and former manager sacked

Your Swansea City headlines for Wednesday, February 23.

Steve Bruce remains confident that Swansea's next opponents West Brom can challenge for promotion this season, despite winning just one of their previous 12 matches.

The Baggies took the lead against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night but were ultimately beaten 2-1 at the Riverside Stadium following a poor second-half showing.

Ahead of Monday's meeting with the Swans, West Brom are six points adrift of the play-off places and 12 behind the automatic promotion spots.

But Bruce believes home form could be crucial as the Hawthorns outfit bid to transform their fortunes.

“I am still convinced we can turn it around," he said.

"We have eight of the 13 games at home, we have done well at home but we have to improve away.

"We have to get that first win under our belts and hopefully we can get it, we have a long wait until Monday, but the signs of how we want to play are there."

Speaking ahead of West Brom's contest with Middlesbrough, Sky Sports pundit and presenter David Prutton admitted he held serious concerns over the direction of the Baggies.

"West Brom's season is collapsing and Steve Bruce has so far proved unable to stem the tide," he said.

"Games come at you so quickly in this league, and just a point and no goals from three games [now one point, one goal and no wins from four games] has been a disappointing start. I think they might score at the Riverside, but I can't see them getting much else."

Kick-off in the contest between West Brom and Swansea is at 8pm on Monday.

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