Mowbray relishing his journey to the top

Mowbray was named Coca-Cola Championship manager of the month for September after the Baggies took 13 points from a possible 15.

They began October by being held to a 1-1 home draw against Stoke which sees them third in the table going into tomorrow’s game at Southampton.

Mowbray told the club’s official website, www.wba.co.uk: “We’re on a journey this season and we’ve got targets and aims. So far we’ve scored plenty of goals and our defence is much tighter, it’s all about getting that balance right.

“The group of players we’ve got here are fantastic to work with, they look me right in the eye and want to learn and develop.”

Mowbray is sweating on the fitness of top scorer Kevin Phillips who has missed the last two games with an ankle injury.

Martin Paterson is hoping for a recall to Scunthorpe’s starting line-up for the visit of league leaders Watford.

The Iron’s top goalscorer had to be satisfied with a place on the bench in midweek at Norwich following a knee injury. Manager Nigel Adkins is not expected to make any changes to his line-up.

Elsewhere, Wolves are at home to Coventry, Blackpool take on Plymouth and Burnley make the trip to Cardiff. Hull will look to cement their place in mid-table at Crystal Palace, Ipswich face Preston and Colchester travel to Stoke.