Beattie could stay with Baggies

Albion manager Tony Mowbray has played down rumours of striker Craig Beattie making a permanent move to Preston.

The Scotland international ended last season on loan at Deepdale and North End manager Alan Irvine has admitted an interest in a new deal.

Yet Mowbray insists he has not heard from his opposite number about Beattie joining former Baggies Darren Carter and Richard Chaplow in Preston.

He said: “I’ve had no contact with Preston. Craig is fit and working hard in the hope he can force his way into the thinking.”

But Mowbray admits players could leave before the start of the season.

He said; “Will there be some players leaving?  As we bring players in, players will be looking around and seeing if they’re going to get an opportunity.

“I would suggest there will be a natural evolution of the team.

“I’m not the sort of guy who likes to push people out and stick them in a field so they get so disenchanted they want to go.”