Markus Rosenberg could still have West Brom role

Clarke insists the 30-year-old is not to blame for his disappointing debut season in the Premier League.

But he admitted Rosenberg is unhappy with his bit-part role since arriving on a summer free transfer.

The former Ajax man, who left Werder Bremen as a free agent, has made just two Premier League starts with fellow strikers Romelu Lukaku and Shane Long both impressing.

Clarke said: "Markus is very disappointed things haven't worked out better for him.

"He hasn't had enough minutes on the pitch. Some of that is my fault and he can be unhappy with me.

"But he shouldn't be unhappy with himself. He trains every day, he's a consummate professional and that kind of player is important.

"It's been a disappointing season for him but there are still games to play and there is still hope that in those games he will get a chance to play and show what he can do.

"He's well liked in the group and that kind of player in the group is vital because not everyone can play every minute.

"Not everyone can be a regular and the make-up and the dynamic of the squad can be determined by those who don't play.

"I've been lucky that the players who haven't been selected have always trained well and pushed the others to play to their maximum. It's a key part of why we've had such a good season."

Lukaku and Long have netted 22 goals between them in all competitions this season and Clarke admitted their form has made Rosenberg's task hard.

"Shane and Rom have had really good seasons," said the Scot. "The team developed early on when we played with one striker and Shane and Rom were in front of Markus for that spot."