Mowbray hopeful on Mulumbu

Baggies close on PSG starlet

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 29th January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Mowbray hopeful on Mulumbu

Mulumbu: Set for Baggies switch

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Tony Mowbray is hoping to bring promising DR Congo international Youssouf Mulumbu to West Brom.

Reports in France had suggested that the Baggies were keen on the Paris St Germain midfielder, and Mowbray has now confirmed that is the case.

The 22-year-old was in England on Thursday for talks with the Premier League strugglers and is expected to complete a move for a nominal fee.

Mowbray believes Mulumbu is a fine prospect for the future and would be delighted to bring him on board, but has stressed that the African ace will not be ready for first team action this term.

"If a deal does get done then Youssouf is a young player who would be coming to supplement our football club's underbelly.

"He is a young player with potential who we would hope eventually could have an impact on our first team - but not in the immediate future.

"The lad is here today and he has got potential. He has got Claude Makelele in front of him (at PSG) and does not feel he is going to get an opportunity.

"He is hungry but he is not ready to come and play in our first team. He will play in our reserves for now."

Morale

Meanwhile, Mowbray remains confident that his side can bounce back from Tuesday's 5-0 mauling at the hands of Manchester United - a result which keeps them rooted to the foot of the table.

"Will the United scoreline affect morale? I don't think so," he said defiantly.

"The players realise where we are at the moment with the club and with the team we are putting out.

"The group know we are a bit short at present of being able to field our best starting 11.

"To have given United a decent game, we would have needed our best team out - and even then there were no guarantees we would have given them a good game.

"I don't think what happened will damage confidence and belief. The belief comes from beating Manchester City, Tottenham and Middlesbrough in the previous three home games.

"When Newcastle come here in 10 days time, we've got to be ready for that game.

"Before that, we've got Hull at the weekend. I am sure that will be a much tighter affair and we've got to go and try to pick up some points."