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The Irishman – who joined the Baggies on a free transfer in September – is yet to feature under interim head coach Jimmy Shan and made his last appearance for the club as a 70th-minute substitute in the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest more than two months ago. 
But he returned to the substitutes’ bench at Reading on Easter Monday, and would be ready to step into the side, according to Shan. 
“That’s been purely selection,” said the interim boss, on why Hoolahan hasn’t featured under him. 


“But we’re going to look to maximise our squad (in build-up to play- offs). 
“Wes as an individual has been excellent. It’s been very difficult to leave him out of squads. 
“He’s a fit, fit boy. He trains with pure enthusiasm and has bags of quality. 
“Wes, day in day out, trains the only way he knows – full-heartedly. 
“Should Wes need to be available, I am sure he will be because of the manner he looks after himself.” 
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Hoolahan’s old club Norwich look set to seal promotion to the Premier League this weekend and Shan knows rotation will be key if Albion are to be fresh enough going into the play-offs at the end of a 46-game Championship campaign. 
“We just need to get everybody up to speed, willing and raring to go,” he said. “We have to make sure everybody is raring to go. 
“One player that springs to mind is young Jonathan Leko. He has not figured a lot, but we have done a lot of planning for the play-offs. 
“One thing in that meeting was about Jonathan. He is an exciting player and exciting talent. We’ve got to make sure he is ready to go as in any tight game, he has the potential and the tools to unlock teams. 
“With him as an example, we need to make sure everyone has enough exposure.”

Pleased to read this. I think Hoolahan has been very underused, he's still looked good whenever I've seen him.

(04-25-2019, 10:17 PM)Squid Wrote: [ -> ]Pleased to read this. I think Hoolahan has been very underused, he's still looked good whenever I've seen him.

Maybe starting roles for both Hoolahan and Leko this week? Could see Shan going for stronger line up v Derby.

I think Hoolahan has looked decent but no more in a couple of cup ties, but IMHO hasn't really shown anything at all in league games to justify being in the reckoning. He certainly hasn't entertained making a 50-50 tackle yet, even when it's been needed.

Tyrone Mears has made a far more effective contribution to the team but often attracts derision, yet Hoolahan gets a free ride by comparison and is even talked up by some. I think people must be looking at what he has done in the past, rather than anything he's produced in an Albion shirt.

(04-25-2019, 10:24 PM)Statto Wrote: [ -> ]I think Hoolahan has looked decent but no more in a couple of cup ties, but IMHO hasn't really shown anything at all in league games to justify being in the reckoning. He certainly hasn't entertained making a 50-50 tackle yet, even when it's been needed.

Tyrone Mears has made a far more effective contribution to the team but often attracts derision, yet Hoolahan gets a free ride by comparison and is even talked up by some. I think people must be looking at what he has done in the past, rather than anything he's produced in an Albion shirt.

Harsh there Statto. I hadn't noticed him wimping out on anything and his work rate is great.

I'd also say the same people who (unjustly, I agree) deride Mears for being a donkey, also mock Hoolahan for being an old waste of money, as they generally mock any one seen as a "small time" purchase (see also Townsend, Conor).

It's just that Hoolahan also has a cult following, which Mears doesn't. Hoolahan is a player that means a lot to some people, hence what you see as him being given a free ride.

Hoolahan’s age is irrelevant to me. I wouldn’t knock the decision to give him the deal and haven’t used the waste of money phrase as he’s clearly been a good pro aroundbthe camp.

However, I’d challenge anyone to name one concrete contribution he’s made out on the field to justify being in the reckoning for inclusion in the 18 man the playoffs.

One run at Brighton that petered out isn’t enough for me.

Yeah but Leko is shit and has no end product...........sighs

Cuzer

(04-25-2019, 10:24 PM)Statto Wrote: [ -> ]I think Hoolahan has looked decent but no more in a couple of cup ties, but IMHO hasn't really shown anything at all in league games to justify being in the reckoning. He certainly hasn't entertained making a 50-50 tackle yet, even when it's been needed.

Tyrone Mears has made a far more effective contribution to the team but often attracts derision, yet Hoolahan gets a free ride by comparison and is even talked up by some. I think people must be looking at what he has done in the past, rather than anything he's produced in an Albion shirt.

Agreed, Mears has barely put a foot wrong and is sound.  

Hoolahan is too light-weight and is possibly just over the hill.

(04-25-2019, 10:22 PM)Albion Wrote: [ -> ]

(04-25-2019, 10:17 PM)Squid Wrote: [ -> ]Pleased to read this. I think Hoolahan has been very underused, he's still looked good whenever I've seen him.

Maybe starting roles for both Hoolahan and Leko this week? Could see Shan going for stronger line up v Derby.

Other way around for me. 1st team v Rotherham. Rest players vs Derby with the play offs only a week away.
Hoolahan a good player who could have been used more.

(04-26-2019, 12:01 AM)Cuzer Wrote: [ -> ]Yeah but Leko is shit and has no end product...........sighs

Cuzer

As a professional footballer he's made 27 appearances and scored no goals.

If we include all the games he's played in the Premier League 2 for the under 23's he's played 3522 minutes and scored 3 goals. That's a goal every 1174 minutes, or once every 13 games.

I'm not saying he can't offer something, but you're sighing against FACTS when you sarcastically say he's got no end product. That is not a good return......