West Bromwich Albion

Alan Irvine: 'Saido Berahino the new Ian Wright'

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 24 October 2014

West Brom boss Alan Irvine tips Saido Berahino to become the next Ian Wright after claiming that the two hitmen share a number of qualities.

West Bromwich Albion boss Alan Irvine believes that the in-form Saido Berahino is well on his way to becoming the next Ian Wright.

The 21-year-old's stock continues to rise after he struck his seventh goal of the season in Monday's 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United.

Irvine played alongside Wright at Crystal Palace and is confident that Berahino can go on to scale the same heights as the legendary Arsenal striker.

He told The Mirror: "I played with Ian at Crystal Palace and Wrighty had that energy and enthusiasm and wanted to run in behind people.

"That's a real strength of Saido's, too. If he keeps doing that then defenders don't like it and he will keep on getting his opportunities. I didn't say he is as good as Ian, but he is that type and he is heading in that direction.

"Ian became better and better as he went on, that was down to what he already had plus the fact he never lost that enthusiasm. He always had that approach to the game and his training."

Wright struck 184 goals for Arsenal in a seven-year stint in North London, with only Thierry Henry scoring more for the club.