Pearson still refuses to formally apply for the position, although the nod of approval from within the dressing room ranks will be appreciated and gives chairman Jeremy Peace more food for thought.

He has been linked with a string of ever-changing candidates since he sacked Bryan Robson nearly three weeks ago, with Hibs boss Tony Mowbray yesterday claimed to be all-but past the finishing post after two interviews.

But Mowbray issued a strong denial of any such link with the Baggies, who maintain that they are still in “short-list” mode and will not get down to trying to “nail down” Robson’s replacement until next week.

But Peace also concedes that Albion’s results have taken the pressure off and Watson’s comments in his exclusive Sporting Star column today will add momentum to the support for Pearson.

Watson writes: “Nigel did not put a foot wrong last week – it all worked perfectly and the football we played was terrific. But for a poor refereeing decision at Luton, we might have been looking at three wins on the bounce since the gaffer left.

“I don’t know what is going to happen with the appointment – but I do think that Nigel could not have done anything more to advance his own claims for the job. He and the staff have done a fantastic job at a difficult time for the club.”

Mowbray has made it clear that Albion have a long way to go if they are interested in recruiting him.

He was furious at reports that he had impressed after being interviewed for a second time and said: “If I’ve had a second interview I’d like to know when the first one was. I’ve had no contact with West Brom.”

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