West Brom boss Mowbray offers lifeline to midfield duo

May 7 2009 by Robert Tanner, Birmingham Post

“They are generally in and around the frame. They always travel and are always with the team.

“Whether or not they get on the bench or sit in the stand they are always involved. I try to keep them involved with the team.”

Striker Luke Moore is another player who has been left watching from the wings in recent months. The 23-year-old has failed to make an impact after arriving in a £3.5 million switch from Aston Villa.

One goal in 17 appearances has not been the return that Mowbray had been hoping for, and he has told Moore that it is down to the England under-21 to force his way back into the side.

“Nothing has changed with Luke,” he said. “He continues to train hard with us and he has just found himself in a situation where other people are in the team and in the setup before he is. He has to continue to work hard to try to change that.”

If Mowbray’s decisions have meant he is not flavour of the month with the troubled trio, then Ewood Park will be an uncomfortable venue for them on the final day of the season as the away end will be awash with Mowbray lookalikes.

Supporters are planning to pay tribute to the manager at the Blackburn Rovers game on May 24 by donning Mowbray masks just before kick-off.

“Masks of me? That will be scary,” said Mowbray. “I haven’t seen the masks yet.

“I don’t know why I was chosen, but from a guy who didn’t know anything about West Midlands football before I came, the supporters have been amazing in their support of the team and backing. I’m not trying to be sycophantic but it’s quite humbling to have a support that’s so supportive of a team that’s bottom of the league.”