Mowbray challenges strikers

Mowbray: Rallying cry

Tony Mowbray has urged his strikers to 'step up' and seize their chance following the injury to Ishmael Miller.

Miller is set to be sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering cruciate ligament damage in West Brom's 1-1 draw against Portsmouth on Sunday.

The youngster had started several games up front on his own and his absence has left Mowbray short of options.

Craig Beattie has been brought back from his loan spell at Crystal Palace and will compete with Luke Moore and Roman Bednar for a regular role.

The Baggies have scored just 12 goals in 16 Premier League games and Mowbray has challenged his front men to help turn things around.

Asked about the cover for Miller, Mowbray told Sky Sports News: "We have got existing strikers at the club who are chomping at the bit for more regular football.

"We have got Roman Bednar and Luke Moore and we have recalled Craig Beattie from Palace.

"We have talked about trying to increase the options in January and we still look to do that.

Competition

"But I am trying to create competition and I think the likes of Luke, Roman and Craig have got to step up now and take the opportunity."

Mowbray admits that he may now have to try and sign two strikers in January, although he will only have funds to spend if players are sold.

He explained: "If the right ones are available we will look at that (getting two) but it is about getting the balance right.

"We haven't been given a budget but the parameters have been set. If we want to create money then we have to sell players to try to finance the incomings."

Mowbray feels sorry for Miller after he had produced a number of encouraging performances.

Good form

He added: "Ishmael had started to hit some very good form, he had scored three in seven and he was looking hungry."

Meanwhile, Mowbray has no intention of walking away from the challenge of trying to keep West Brom in the Premier League.

The Baggies face a crucial bottom-three clash on Saturday at Sunderland, whose manager Roy Keane quit last week, but Mowbray is determined to stick with Albion.

"Results obviously could be better. But I enjoy coming into work, and the players motivate you," he said.

"They have certainly not got their chins on the ground; they enjoy coming in and working towards putting a gameplan together to try and win the next game.

"We are enjoying the task of trying to pick up points in the Premier League - and I have got no thoughts of going anywhere and am just getting on with my job and enjoying that."