Disgruntled defender Carl Hoefkens has been told to keep his gripes behind closed doors.

Albion boss Tony Mowbray says he understands the frustrations of the Belgium international, who claimed last week in the media in his homeland that he is likely to leave The Hawthorns in the summer.

Hoefkens also expressed his surprise at being sidelined for most of the Premier League season and claimed he had helped the Baggies achieve some of their best results.

But Mowbray has urged the full-back to take his opinions directly to the manager’s office in future. “It surprised me when I saw them but Carl Hoefkens is a man, not a little boy,” said Mowbray, who has preferred summer signing Gianni Zuiverloon in the right-back role. “I don’t rule this place with an iron rod and make sure that anybody who says anything out of line is smashed down.

“It’s not like that. Carl is well within his rights to speak.I always prefer people to air their disappointment to me and not publicly because I think can erode team camaraderie if individuals start speaking out.

“I understand that it’s better for the media the more players they can find to speak about dissention.

“But I understand Carl’s frustration because he is an experienced international player who hasn’t been playing in the Premier League and it’s not as if we have been ripping the place up defensively.

“I have always said that if players want to leave I’ve got no problem with it. Carl should come and see me and I will try to facilitate whatever he wants as long as it fits into the business model of our club.”