STEVE CLARKE is backing West Brom to bounce back from their mauling at Swansea.
The Baggies conceded three goals in a half-hour period at the Liberty Stadium as their four-game winning sequence came to an end with a 3-1 defeat on Wednesday night.
It meant they slipped to fourth in the league ahead of today’s home encounter with Stoke.
But head coach Clarke said: “In terms of bouncing back, we don’t have to prove anything.
“We had lost a couple of games previously this year but we always come back in a good way and we look forward to doing that against Stoke.
“I was quite controlled about what I said at Swansea. We had a little chat at half time about trying to do things better in the second half and there was a response.
“I’ve got no reason to have a go at these players.
“We are in a fantastic position, we’ve had a great season, we took 12 points out of 15 in November.
“What would give me the excuse to have a go at them? There is no reason for it.”
Albion have failed to beat Stoke at the Hawthorns for nine years but have won six of their seven home games this season.
Clarke said: “Stoke is always a hard game, they always cause their opponents problems but it is a challenge for the players.
“Tony Pulis has done a fantastic job establishing Stoke in the league and they play better football than they get credit for.”
Meanwhile, Scotland midfielder Charlie Adam has played down the fact he has scored twice in the last four games for Stoke.
The former Rangers ace said: “It’s good to score goals but the team’s performances are more important.
“In the last five or six weeks we have started to improve. We are getting better as we get to know each other’s games.
“Whoever scores, we are delighted but the team comes first.”