West Bromwich Albion

Alan Irvine: 'Saido Berahino not being overworked'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 24 October 2014

Alan Irvine insists that he will not reduce Saido Berahino's workload at West Bromwich Albion, despite fears of fatigue setting in.

West Bromwich Albion manager Alan Irvine has dismissed suggestions that Saido Berahino is being overworked this season.

The 21-year-old has been in impressive form of late, finding the net in each of his last four games to make him the top scoring Englishman in the Premier League this term.

Liverpool midfielder Raheem Sterling claimed that he was "too tired" to start an international game earlier this month, which has led to fears that Berahino could also be fatigued, although Irvine says the youngster's current workload is nothing to worry about.

"I don't believe Saido will burn out," the Birmingham Mail quotes Irvine as saying. "You look at players in the Football League are playing Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday and keep doing it.

"Saido has played more than any other player at the club but he is young and full of energy and is in a great place mentally. If we start speaking to him about needing a rest he might need a rest."

West Brom are currently 14th in the Premier League table ahead of the visit of Crystal Palace this weekend.