West Bromwich Albion Boss Steve Clarke Tells Nicolas Anelka To Fight For His Place

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Baggies boss lays down gauntlet to veteran striker.

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West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke has told veteran striker Nicolas Anelka that he is not a guaranteed starter at the club this season, Sky Sports reports.

The former Chelsea man joined the club over the summer, but was granted compassionate leave after just one game to attend to the death of his agent.

He returned to the line up at the start of September and has started every match he has been available for, although he is yet to hit the back of the net.

And despite a glittering career that has seen him take in spells with Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris St Germain, Clarke has insisted that he will have to battle for his place in the side.

“It’s a squad game and players have to be ready when selected. I have to pick the best 11 I can. When you’re a star, and Nicolas is, he will grab the headlines,” said Clarke.

“But football’s a team game. It’s everybody’s job to create and score goals, not just Nic’s.

“His form, by and large, has been good. He has brought a different dimension to the team.

“We need to find more creativity going forward, but that does not apply just to Nicolas.

“It’s up to everyone in the team to step up to the mark, to create more and score one.”

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