Koren's agent hits back at Di Matteo

Robert Koren's agent has hit back at Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo and accused the club of denying the midfielder a move in January.

Zoran Krneta insisted Koren's angry reaction to his substitution against Scunthorpe on Wednesday was not meant to offend his team-mates, but sent as a message to the head coach.

Krneta reiterated Koren, who refused to shake hands with the head coach after being replaced, wanted to leave the Hawthorns on loan in January although Albion maintain they had no formal offers.

Di Matteo branded Koren's actions as 'selfish' and claimed it showed a lack of respect for Simon Cox, who came in his place.

But Krneta said: "I'm sure that Robert and the manager will have a private conversation today, but I'm surprised that the manager called him selfish and questioned his dedication to the team.

"Robert has played over 150 games for West Bromwich Albion since arriving on a free transfer. I would say that over 80 per cent of those games he has played out of position. He always gives 100 per cent on the field for his team mates. He is also captain of Slovenia and going to the World Cup.

"To not shake the manager's hand was not a reflection on the team or the player coming on but a message to the manager, no-one else. I'm not saying what he did was right and I'm sure he will apologise. Perhaps there is a deeper issue that the manager needs to discuss with Robert.

"There were several offers in the January window, from the UK and abroad, to take Robert on loan and they were turned down.

"Perhaps Robert feels that it's time to move on as he feels he can't give any more than he is doing for Albion."

Albion will find out on Tuesday whether winger Jerome Thomas' four-match suspension will be extended, after the player requested a personal hearing to deal with his violent conduct charge.

Thomas was charged over the aftermath of his red card at Plymouth on Saturday, after appearing to lash out during a mass shoving match involving players and officials.

The 26-year-old is expected to point to his solid disciplinary record before this season when appearing before an FA panel.