Zoltan Gera confident West Bromwich Albion will go up

Mar 22 2008 By Chris Lepkowski

ZOLTAN Gera believes West Bromwich Albion will win promotion if they play as well as they did at Charlton.

The midfielder felt the Baggies were unfortunate not to take all three points at The Valley in yesterday's televised clash.

But the Hungarian is confident that similar performances in Albion's final eight games will be enough to help them clinch a place in the top two.

"We should have won the game," said Gera. "We controlled it in the second half and had chances to win. I the end but I put too much power into my shot and it hit the bar.

"It wasn't a good point for us because we deserved to win.

"We still think we can win automatic promotion and hopefully the results will be good for us today but we know we've got a chance.

"We need to make sure we win next weekend. We need to play like we did yesterday and if we do that then I think we'll win promotion."

Gera will miss this week's international friendly against Slovenia after opting to withdraw from the Hungary squad.

He revealed he had done so with the national coach's blessing and hopes it will keep him fresh for Albion's crucial promotion run-in.

He added: "Sometimes you need a rest because there are too many games and there is too much travelling.

"I get on well with my coach in Hungary and there are no problems."

Gera also paid tribute to Kevin Phillips, who grabbed his 21st goal of the season.

The 34-year-old striker smashed in Albion's equaliser after Gera had headed the ball into his path.

"It was a good finish from Kevin," continued Gera. "He showed good control and I just did my job by heading the ball in his direction.

"He's very professional and keeps himself very fit. He's the best goalscorer I've ever played with."