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Conor Townsend feeling much more confident at West Brom

Albion full-back Conor Townsend is grateful for the faith shown in him by Slaven Bilic and now feels much more confident as a Championship player.

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Conor Townsend (AMA)

Townsend has impressed at left-back after an injury to Kieran Gibbs and Nathan Ferguson's suspension.

The 26-year-old has helped the Baggies in keeping clean sheets in the last two games and is aiming to clinch another one against Sheffield Wednesday at The Hawthorns on Saturday.

“I’ve seen an improvement in my own performances this season. I feel a lot more confident," said Townsend, who was signed from Scunthorpe in the summer of 2018.

“I came up from League One and it probably took me a little bit of time to adjust to the level, even though I wouldn’t have admitted that at the time.

“I think confidence is the main difference I see in myself this season.

"The confidence that the manager and coaching staff have given me is great and I hope that shows on the pitch.

“They are putting on sessions that are spot on and I think you can see that in the way we are playing as a team. We play good football. We dominate possession and games and that suits me more as a player."

With Ferguson serving another game on his ban, Townsend is set to start against Wednesday.

“I do feel more confident stepping out on the pitch now which obviously helps my performance," he said.

“I’d been watching from the side earlier in the campaign and the team have been playing brilliantly. They are a joy to watch.

“I’ve just wanted to get involved, contribute and play a part. I feel like I’ve done that since I’ve been in the team. It’s been nice to play."

Townsend added: “I think I have done alright. I still think there is more to come. I’m trying to keep working as hard as I can in training every day. Hopefully, I can stay in the team."