Tony Mowbray admits he’s mystified by Albion’s disciplinary record – as the Baggies head into Saturday’s visit of Coventry with five players on the brink of suspension.

Jason Koumas, John Hartson, Nigel Quashie, Paul Robinson and Zoltan Gera all head into the weekend walking a disciplinary tightrope on four bookings, with one more triggering a one-match ban.

Darren Carter, Jonathan Greening, Diomansy Kamara and Chris Perry have already served suspensions for collecting five yellow cards this season.

In total, the Baggies have collected 56 yellow cards this season, with only Ipswich, with 58, having been shown more in the Championship.

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Tony Mowbray admits he’s mystified by Albion’s disciplinary record – as the Baggies head into Saturday’s visit of Coventry with five players on the brink of suspension.

Jason Koumas, John Hartson, Nigel Quashie, Paul Robinson and Zoltan Gera all head into the weekend walking a disciplinary tightrope on four bookings, with one more triggering a one-match ban.

Darren Carter, Jonathan Greening, Diomansy Kamara and Chris Perry have already served suspensions for collecting five yellow cards this season.

In total, the Baggies have collected 56 yellow cards this season, with only Ipswich, with 58, having been shown more in the Championship,

And Mowbray says he’s struggling to understand why Albion have received so many bookings.

“It is a concern, but it’s also a mystery because we are not an over competitive team and we haven’t got a team full of players for whom that is their main strength,” he said.

“We are not a team who base their play around being aggressive and winning the ball back.

“Our play is based more on when we have got the ball and keeping it. It is a mystery why we have got so many bookings. We are aware of our disciplinary record but if I thought we were an over competitive side I would be saying we need to temper that a bit.

“If anything we need to find a bit more. It is a mystery how we are sitting there with five players one booking away from a suspension.”

Defender Paul McShane today handed Mowbray a fitness boost in time for Saturday’s clash by returning to training.

The Republic of Ireland international was rated as a major doubt for the visit of the Sky Blues after limping off at Barnsley last Sunday.

But Mowbray today hinted that the combative 20-year-old will be fit for the Midlands derby after being given the green light to resume training.

“Paul is training today,” said Mowbray. “He is a real warrior and if he is fit to train and play he will do so.

“After speaking to the physio, there is a fair chance he will train.

“That said, we do need to look after him because he is one of those boys who will train with his leg hanging off.

“And if Paul is fit for this weekend there is a fair chance he will be in the team.”