West Brom boss has no worries about Joe Mattock

Nov 5 2009 by Chris Lepkowski

Joe Mattock

West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo has no qualms about throwing Joe Mattock into the fray at his former club Leicester City this Saturday.

The 19-year-old makes his first return to the Walkers Stadium following an acrimonious exit from the club back in August.

He is expected to get a mixed reception, with his cause not helped by his forthcoming court case relating to an alleged late-night incident in a Leicester bar.

But Di Matteo has been impressed with his young defender's progress since his move across the Midlands.

And he believes the left-back, who is due to appear at Leicester Crown Court on November 12, will be ready to cope with any goading which comes his way.

"It can go either way," said Di Matteo.

"It can give you a big boost to play against them or it can get you down and suppress you.

"Personality-wise I’m sure he can handle it. He is quite a brave boy."