Mowbray: Derby a great start

Mowbray takes charge of the Baggies for the first time against arch-rivals Wolves in tomorrow's high noon showdown at The Hawthorns.

The clash represents a real baptism of fire for Mowbray as he walks straight into the most eagerly awaited fixture of the season so far.

But, after having experience of managing Hibs in Edinburgh derbies and playing in the Old Firm clashes, Mowbray insists he could not have a better game to launch his Albion career than Wolves.

"I would rather be involved in big matches with big atmospheres," he said. "That's what we all become managers and footballers for.

"I want to manage big games and I wouldn't want it any other way than being in charge for this one."

"It doesn't really feel like it's my first match because I've had a slight involvement in the last couple of games and the players have got to know my voice and know what I'm all about," he said.

Both sides head into the game in excellent form, with Albion on the back of three successive wins and unbeaten in six, while Wolves have also picked up back-to-back victories. Albion start as favourites because of their Premiership pedigree and recent attacking blitz of 13 goals in four games.

Mowbray insists that hasn't served to crank up the pressure on his side, but he's warned his players of the dangers of underestimating Mick McCarthy's battlers.

"I hope the expectation comes from within," said Mowbray. "The team realises that we have an opportunity to continue in the way we have been going."