Albion boss Tony Mowbray today insisted he would not pressurise big-money signing Luke Moore to fill the boots of Kevin Phillips.

Former Villa youngster Moore is seen by many as the most likely replacement for Phillips, who rejected Albion’s new-contract offer and moved to Birmingham this summer.

But Mowbray is adamant Moore – a £3m signing from Villa Park – is not under pressure to plug the gap left by last season’s top goalscorer.

Mowbray said: “Nobody’s seen as a long-term replacement for anybody.

“We’re building a squad of players and Luke Moore is not a replacement for Kevin Phillips. Luke Moore is a player in his own right and has to earn the right to be in the team.

“He’s a different type of player to Kevin because he likes to play off shoulders and run in behind, whereas Kevin liked to drop short and link the play.

“Luke understands that for every player it is a big season and they have to work hard to force their way into the starting line-up.”

Mowbray is still on the lookout for at least one new face in attack as he is currently without a proven Premier League goalscorer. But he is hoping Moore, who had a low-key four months on loan at Albion last season, will finally start to utilise his talents.

“I hope all the players are inspired and excited but it’s about competition and Luke has to work hard in his training,” said Mowbray.

“He’ll have the same opportunity this year that he had last year and it’s down to him to show me his attributes and show that his desire is there to be in the team.

“It’s down to the individual. If he performs well on the training ground and takes his chances, he’ll stay in the team and that’s the same for every footballer.”

Meanwhile, Mowbray effectively declined to comment on Albion’s chase for Bolton defender Abdoulaye Meite, but it is understood chairman Jeremy Peace is still in touch with the Trotters over the Ivory Coast international.

“I’m not talking to Bolton,” said Mowbray. “I’m getting on with the training programme and trying to get players fit.

“I don’t think it’s right to talk about individual players who have clubs.”