Greening's still the main man for Mowbray

Albion boss Tony Mowbray has once again paid homage to his captain, Jonathan Greening, before the Baggies skipper returns to the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday (KO 5.30pm). Greening was part of the Manchester United squad which famously beat Bayern Munich in Barcelona almost a decade ago, featuring as an unused substitute, and played 27-times for the Red Devils before switching to Middlesbrough.

Now as the Baggies face potentially their toughest task of the season travelling to Old Trafford, Mowbray has again reiterated the quality and versatility which 'Jonno' brings to the Albion starting XI and has no worries that his skipper's return and eagerness to impress will affect his high standards.

"I don't think going back to your former club helps you raise your game and sometimes you can get over-hyped because you want to do so well so badly," the Albion chief said.

"Sometimes it affects your performance.

"I'm not sure how much Jonathan felt a part of what United were doing.

"I haven't had that conversation with him.

"He probably sees himself more as an ex-Middlesbrough player than a former United player.

"Jonathan just has to go there and show everybody what a good player he is - as he does every week - and not try and over-impress.

"He just needs to be part of our team that will hopefully function on the day."

An ever-present for the Baggies so far, the former York, Manchester United and Middlesbrough midfielder has been deployed across the midfield this season with Mowbray adding: "To be fair to Jonathan, I have asked him to fill a few different roles,"

"He has always said he just wants to play, even if it's at right-back, where I have played him on a couple of occasions in the past.

"He is happy to be playing and I love the way he loves football.

"Every manager should want their players to want to get out and train and have the ball and enjoy training and playing.

"Jonathan brings that to the club.

"I have played him in a few different positions already this season and I will continue to do that, looking at his qualities and trying to use them against the opposition's perceived weaknesses.

"The problem when you go to Old Trafford is that there aren't many weaknesses.

"But he has done very well and the team is doing okay on the back of all the players' performances."