Express & Star

Dwight Gayle ready to rekindle relationship with Jacob Murphy at West Brom

Dwight Gayle believes his Newcastle connection with Jacob Murphy will benefit the Baggies during the run-in this season.

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Dwight Gayle scored his 16th of the season on Saturday. (AMA)

Both Gayle and Murphy are on loan from the Magpies, and are expected to start alongside each other against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.

They played together in the Premier League last season, and Gayle believes that previous understanding will come in useful.

“Obviously I know Murph from Newcastle and hopefully we can strike up a good partnership because he’s got great technique in crossing,” said Gayle. “We were almost getting it at Stoke, it was close. We should do well together.”

Murphy took a nasty kick to the ankle at the Bet365 Stadium, but after resting up over the weekend in a protective boot, he’s expected to recover in time.

“He’s fine, a little bit bruised, but absolutely fine,” said head coach Darren Moore. “He can be pleased with that debut, starting with a win.”

Jacob Murphy shared this photo on Instagram over the weekend.

Gayle grabbed his 16th Baggies goal of the season in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Stoke, but he says it was the clean sheet – Albion’s fourth in the last eight league games – which was celebrated in the dressing room.

“It’s nice to get the goals but at the end of the day I want to be at the top of the table and in and around the promotion places so we can go up,” he said.

“It’s vital we keep scoring goals. But it’s also vital that we grind out results like that.

“If we can get a few more of those we’ll be right up there.

“The last few weeks we’ve been playing quite well in performances but haven’t been quite able to see out games.

“It’s important for our confidence for the rest of the season to see out games.

“I think the boys were buzzing off the clean sheet and hopefully that will can continue.”

Albion host Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, the team Gayle made his Albion debut against back in August.

“We know how good Forest are,” said the striker. “They’re probably one of the best teams we’ve played this season.

“We know what quality each team brings really. Hopefully we’ll put in a performance for the home fans and get them that result.”