Albion have been swamped with offers for fringe strikers – but boss Tony Mowbray is assuring them they are still key figures in the club’s future.
Scottish international Craig Beattie will go out on loan next week after news of his availibility triggered a flurry of offers for the former Celtic striker.
And Sherjill Macdonald’s goalscoring input to Hereford’s League Two promotion challenge has alerted another clutch of clubs who are eager to take up the striker’s services when his loan to Graham Turner’s side runs out next weekend.
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This all comes at a time when Albion can boast the Championship’s strongest quartet of forwards in Roman Bednar, Kevin Phillips, Ishmael Miller and now Luke Moore.
That battery of goalscoring talent has effectively forced Beattie and Macdonald onto the fringes but Mowbray is adamant their exits will only be temporary.
“I’ve had quite a few calls about Craig since his situation became clear,” said Mowbray.
“There are potentinal options which we’re discussing with him although at this moment he’s training hard and he is still our player.
“Craig’s been away four or five times with Scotland and having started really well, especially with his hat-trick and then the great goal which beat Bournemouth, it’s been a bit stop-start for him.
“With other people getting opportunities duringhis absence, looking good and scoring goals, we’ve arrived at this situation.
“We’ve had many conversations. There’s no falling out, no breaking down of relationships, but it’s just the situation he finds himself in.”
Sheffield Wednesday, Albion’s opponents on Tuesday, are among those chasing the striker.
And the Hawthorns boss is equally adamant Macdonald still has much to offer the club saying: “Sherjill’s created a bit of interest for himself from all levels and my phone hasn’t stopped ringing.
“We will sit down and talk about the next step.”
Meanwhile, Albion have confirmed Neil Clement’s loan to Hull until the end of the season.
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8 Comments
We want strikers who can play in the premiership MacDonald and beattie will never make it
Well done Frank, nothing like filling the lads with confidence.
Ron Saunders said that about Steve Bull. I wondered whether Leon Barnett would be good enough. Today he proved he will be. Trust the gaffer, he knows what he’s doing.
MacDonald & Beattie are assets and do not need to be sold. Kevin Phillips will not be playing for much longer as he has become injury prone. Luke Moore could replace Phillips but I need convincing that he really wants to play for the Albion. I believe Moore or MacDonald could become a very good strikers,alongside Bednar.Bednar and Millar don’t seem a good match. Defencibly,Robinson struggles at times even in The Championship. Barnett,whilst being good in the air, also struggles but he will improve with experience.We need to strengthen the defence in the summer. With regard to the midfield,Zoltan Gera should be starting every game and Morrison is also a better player,in my opinion,than Koren. Do-Heon Kim,who could become a crowd favourite,Brunt and Greening could then fight it out for the remaining midfield positions.
Two best strikers at the baggies are bednar and Phillips,
To The Real Bully I’m only speaking the Truth, ask any baggie supporter
beattie no - macdonald could turn out to be a very valuable asset to west bromwich albion fc. he is still only young
Kingswinford.
Can’t agree about Koren, I think he’s a vital part of our team. A very under rated player.
Frank.
Although I fit the criteria of ‘any Baggie supporter’ I can only bow at the font of all knowledge. I will abide by your insightful, considered and consistent opinions