Mowbray's attention turns towards next season for West Brom

Apr 24 2009 by Robert Tanner, Birmingham Post

West Bromwich Albion’s brief stay in the Premier League may not be officially over yet but it was an indication that time will soon be up for the Baggies that manager Tony Mowbray’s press conference before Saturday's visit of Sunderland to The Hawthorns was dominated by talk of next season and the likelihood of Championship football.

Defeat for Albion would not seal their fate this week but with only five games to go and Mowbray’s men cut adrift of safety by nine points, victory for the Black Cats would virtually guarantee the dreaded drop.

However, the pressure will be more on Ricky Sbragia’s side than the hosts as they are only four points above the relegation zone and haven’t won away since December.

As a result, Albion could throw off the shackles of the relegation battle and play with more freedom on Saturday, although they will have to do so without one of the key attacking players, James Morrison.

The Scotland international has a heel injury which could rule him out for a few weeks.

The loss of Morrison could mean a rare opportunity for Argentine midfielder Juan Carlos Menseguez, who has impressed in the reserves since arriving on loan from San Lorenzo with a view to a permanent move at the end of the season and who scored twice in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.