Gus Poyet has told rivals Birmingham they have Albion to thank for turning Chris Wood into a better striker.

The strapping Kiwi has scored nine goals in his last ten appearances for today’s hosts after winning a League One title medal with the Seagulls on loan from West Brom last season.

Albion chief Poyet said: “What I know is we helped him a lot. When he was here he was one type of player and when he went back he was in shape, he was quicker, more mature, he scored ten goals, he did well.”

Poyet is surprised Wood has gone out on loan again. He expected West Brom boss Roy Hodgson to keep the 19-year-old hitman at The Hawthorns.

“Woody went back, the information we got was that he was staying at the club, that the manager liked him a lot,” Poyet said. “The next day he was at Birmingham.

“It’s not in your hands when the player has got a chance to stay at home and go across the road. We didn’t compete because we didn’t have a chance.”

Poyet has also cast doubt over whether on-fire Birmingham, facing their fifth match in 14 days, can continue to cope with their Championship and Europa League schedule.

He said: “I think everybody is just waiting to see if they can maintain this for the seven months ahead of us. It’s a matter of wait and see. Every single game looks more important that the one before.”

  • Five-page match preview in The Argus today