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.