Albion boss Tony Mowbray has dismissed stories linking the Baggies with former Hibernian midfielder Derek Riordan.

Persistent rumours in Scotland have suggested Mowbray may rescue Riordan from Celtic, where he has become marooned in the reserves.

But Mowbray has now ruled out a reunion with the midfield man, who he managed during his time at Easter Road.

“I don’t want to be disrespectful to him, but at the moment I don’t see Derek at a level where he is going to play in the Premier League for my team,” said Mowbray.

“I would suggest we won’t be phoning Celtic this week to ask about Derek.”

Mowbray also ruled out a move for young Dundee midfielder Kevin McDonald, who has been another rumoured target north of the border.

The Albion boss looks set to be linked with a host of players at Scottish clubs during what is certain to be a summer of intense speculation about potential transfer targets.

But he seems unlikely to do significant business north of the border, although Livingston forward Graham Dorrans is already due to check in for pre-season having agreed a move at the end of the January transfer window.

Mowbray has thanked his former employers at Easter Road for giving him the big break in management that propelled him towards the Premier League.

The Albion boss became a popular figure with fans after leading Hibs into Europe twice in his first managerial assignment and threatening briefly to break the stranglehold of Rangers and Celtic.

He said: “I still get a lot of texts and messages from people who work at Hibs and it’s greatly appreciated.

“I didn’t go there purposely to use Hibernian as a stepping stone in my career. I am eternally thankful for getting a start.”