Mowbray has no Bednar problem

West Brom boss Tony Mowbray says he does not intend to discipline striker Roman Bednar for his reaction to being substituted against Manchester United.

The striker was clearly upset at being replaced by Ishmael Miller in the 53rd minute before the Baggies went on to lose 4-0 to the champions on Saturday.

But Mowbray says he has 'no problem' with his top-scorer's reaction and instead praised his work ethic.

The Baggies boss told the Express & Star: "I don't envisage speaking to Roman. I have no problem with his disappointment in coming off as long as he's not disrespectful to those who replace him or his team-mates.

"It's something that's not even registering with me, to be honest."

Worked hard

He added: "Roman worked extremely hard for very little reward because we were playing a top quality side. Whoever played, it was always going to be a tough game for our strikers.

"He worked hard enough and the bottom line is that Roman is not (Wayne) Rooney or (Dimitar) Berbatov. But as the season goes on he will score enough goals to keep him happy and keep me happy."

The Baggies boss is now looking to the future, with the next game a battle with another promoted team who are also doing well in the top flight - Hull.

Mowbray said that Bednar could again start.

"This weekend's game is a new game and completely different. It's up to him to do well in training and force himself into the side," said Mowbray.

Bednar view

Bednar himself thinks that he did not play badly against the champions.

He told Pravo: "It was a tactical substitution, at least that is what I was told. My performance was not that bad.

"I was the only striker upfront. My team-mates twice had a chance to pass the ball through to me in a good position but instead they choose a different option."

Bednar is also looking to the future and believes the defeat has not cost the Baggies any ground in the fight to stay in the top flight.

He said: "If I look at it from our point of view, that our objective is to avoid relegation, then we lost nothing in this game.

"We must claim wins against teams like Fulham, Wigan or Middlesbrough. These are our main rivals. Making points in games against strong teams is a bonus.

"Next game we play Hull and we need to win. They are newcomers as well and it is a crucial game for us."