West Brom winger Matt Phillips insists the players have the right character to respond positively after Monday night's disappointing draw to Brentford.

Darren Moore's men were dominant for large parts against the Bees but a last-minute equaliser from Lewis MacLeod meant Albion dropped two crucial points.

That was not idea preparation for Friday night's crunch derby against Aston Villa, with Dean Smith's side flying in recent weeks.

However, Phillips told the Express & Star that Albion need to take the positives from the Brentford game and backed the team to deliver against their rivals.

"It’s pleasing that we’re creating the chances and the lads are big enough characters to move on and look to Friday.

"On another day we come away with plenty of goals. We have another game on Friday night so we’ll take the point and move on."

Albion are now four points behind second-placed Leeds and they are the same number of points above Villa who are currently down in eighth, highlighting the importance of this fixture.

Smith's side head to The Hawthorns on the back of a hugely impressive 3-0 win at Middlesbrough last time out.

The Verdict

This is a good attitude from Phillips as the game against Brentford will have frustrated everyone connected to the club.

However, there's nothing they can do about that now and instead need to focus on Villa who will be a huge test.

As the Scotland winger says though, Albion have a lot of big players in the squad who will be raring to go.

Thoughts, West Brom fans? Let us know in the comments below.

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