Alan Irvine: 'Saido Berahino needed a breather'

West Bromwich Albion manager Alan Irvine has predicted a return to goalscoring form for Saido Berahino after dropping the striker to the bench for the trip to face Hull City.

The 21-year-old, who was called up to the England senior squad last month for matches against Slovenia and Scotland, has failed to find the net in his last 453 minutes of Premier League action.

Irvine took the decision to omit Berahino from the starting lineup for yesterday's goalless draw at the KC Stadium, but insists that he still retains full faith in the youngster's abilities.

"I made the decision to take him out of the firing line to some extent and give him a breather," the Baggies boss is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.

"Hopefully that will be good for him and he will respond. I have got no doubt that his form will return."

West Brom are currently 16th in the league table, hovering just a point above the relegation zone.