Iron manager Nigel Adkins was pleased by the way his team performed, despite losing 2-0 to West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Tuesday night.

An early goal from Roman Bednar, followed by a late strike from Gianni Zuiverloon, saw Scunthorpe sunk by the Championship's new league leaders.

Nevertheless, Adkins was happy with the display, stating: "We went away from home and played well against a side who I feel will be in the Premier League next season.



"We played in front of a big crowd, away from home and it was an exciting occasion.

"We played a fantastic, athletic side who passed the ball ever so well and they scored a magnificent first goal through it.

"We came here and changed the team around, the changed the shape a little bit and looked good defensively.

"That allowed ourselves to get the ball and play with a bit more confidence because we are a passing side.

"We did create opportunities but they scored at the very end and the goal that made it 2-0 right at the end killed the game.

"Overall, I'm happy with our performance."

The boss added that Paul Hayes wasn't injured but missed out because: "I changed the team around, like many managers do.

"I'm sure there will be massive talking debate about Paul missing out but sometimes you need to have the courage to say this is the right team to pick.

"We have to look at the big picture, it's about the squad, not just eleven players.

"We've got some massive games coming up and Paul Hayes is massive for us."

Adkins also moved to scotch national newspaper speculation linking him with West Ham United striker Freddie Sears and said winger Garry Thompson faces two weeks out with the hamstring injury that forced him to miss the Baggies clash.

See much more from Nigel Adkins, Matt Sparrow and Michael O'Connor on The Iron Player.