Bryan Robson has assured Geoff Horsfield that his future lies at West Brom.
Bryan Robson has assured Geoff Horsfield that his future lies at West Brom, while confirming they have rejected Wigan's approach for Robert Earnshaw.Horsfield bagged both goals as The Baggies beat Portsmouth 2-1 on Saturday, but knows he has a big fight for his place at The Hawthorns.
With Kevin Campbell, Kanu, Earnshaw, Nathan Ellington and Diomansy Kamara at the club, Robson has a host of options up front.
Horsfield has feared for his future at West Brom but Robson has moved to assure him he is part of his long-term plans.
"He was terrific on Saturday," said Robson of Horsfield. "And not just because he scored the two goals.
"His work rate, hold-up play and the way he brought people into the game was excellent.
"It is a fact that after he has got most teams promoted that he has been with, Geoff has been moved on by that club.
"But I've spoken to him and told him he will not be moved on from this club, not while I am manager.
"With his past record in that department, maybe it was no wonder that he said he feared for his future but he has a big part to play here."
Robson is also looking to keep hold of Welsh marksman Earnshaw, despite an approach from Wigan boss Paul Jewell.
"Wigan made an enquiry for Earnshaw and I just said he's not available," added Robson.
"Rob found it difficult last season when he was substitute because he had always been in the team without having to fight for his place.
"But Rob saw the way that Campbell, Horsfield and Kanu reacted to rotating and the attitude they showed around the place. He took that on board and he is more acceptable now to the rotation policy.
"Of course, he is still disappointed when he doesn't play but on Saturday he was bright and bubbly around the dressing room beforehand and then when he came on he was really sharp."
