Albion boss Tony Mowbray has offered his full backing to long-serving defender Paul Robinson following his costly error at Wigan.

Mowbray said insists the tough-tackling full-back has a huge role to play in the dressing room, if the Baggies are to turn around their season and save themselves from relegation to the Championship.

Robinson was involved in an angry exchange with a critical section of fans, after his poor header gifted Henri Camara Wigan’s equaliser in a 2-1 Albion defeat.

But Mowbray has full confidence in the former Watford man.

The Baggies boss said: “Paul is a pretty bright guy. He knows how much he’s contributed to our team and to the effort of the side.

“Most footballers are their own worst critics but he’ll take no flak from me. He’s been fantastic for us this year and shown what a quality footballer he is. In every game he’s there in the battle.

“It’s part and parcel of it and sometimes it goes like that. Paul will be fine. He’s very aware of how he’s contributed this season. He’ll be as hungry as anyone to make sure we start our recovery now against Portsmouth.”

Mowbray praised Robinson’s reaction to the fresh competition for his place, that arrived courtesy of Marek Cech’s £1.4million summer move from Porto.

The manager said: “That’s why you bring competition to your squad and you hope people respond to it. Sadly for Marek, but positively for Paul and our team, his performance levels have been very high for us this season.”