Returning striker Ishmael Miller is hoping Albion have learnt the harsh lessons from the Nottingham Forest defeat ahead of tonight’s game against fellow promotion chasers Newcastle United (KO 19.45).
The 22-year-old returned from a 13-month layoff against Forest but had to watch from the bench as the visitors took a 3-1 lead before making an impressive 13-minute cameo appearance.
Miller has revealed that manager Roberto Di Matteo has been trying to erase the memories of the Baggies’ fourth home defeat of the season as Albion look to close the gap on leaders Newcastle and second-placed Forest tonight.
"The manager has been trying to get the Forest match out of our system," said the former Manchester City player.
"We know we're a good side but we didn't perform to the level we normally perform to.
"Hopefully we can go into the game tonight, get back to ourselves, do what we do best and get something out of the game.
"We have had a chat as a squad, and a group of friends, and hopefully we have got it out of our system so we can try to forget about it but try to learn from our mistakes and not make them again.
"What we discussed is between the squad.
"We just need a consistent run. That's the main thing.
"People will talk about bringing in players and this, that and the other.
"But it's just about consistently picking up points.
"Last time we were in this league we went away to Blackpool and won towards the end of the season and after that we didn't lose, and that saw us through to promotion.
"Hopefully we can do the same now.
"We have won a few games and picked up points, and then sometimes haven't got the result we wanted.
"Hopefully now we can learn from the mistakes and go on a nice five or six-game run."
Miller also revealed he hoped former Derby player Giles Barnes can earn a contract at The Hawthorns as the 21-year-old midfielder battles back from his own long term injury problems. Barnes, once touted as a future England international, is hoping to prove his fitness to Roberto Di Matteo with Miller sure he has the quality to add to Albion’s squad.
“I feel he can add to the team – he is a very good player,” Miller continued.
“I have known Giles for a while from playing against him when we were young in academy football.
“I have always thought he was a good player and I feel he could add a lot to the team.”