Mowbray calls for belief

Tony Mowbray has urged both his players and fans alike to have no fear as Albion approach their assault on the Premiership. The Baggies face a daunting opener to the season as they travel to The Emirates to face Arsenal, however Mowbray has told his troops: "You've earned the right to be here."

After stylishly winning the Championship last term the Baggies will now face world-class internationals week in, week out with Mowbray insisting his players must step up their performance levels and see themselves as a Premiership outfit if they are to achieve any level of success.

"I think that's part of the problem but we have got to earn the right with our performance levels," the Baggies boss said.

"Otherwise, all through the season the press will do the quaint little story of 'little old Albion' going off to play Liverpool or Manchester United as lambs to the slaughter.

"It is important we change the perception and show that's not the case and we are there on merit, we are competitive and we have got every chance of winning the games we're going into.

"It isn't a question of just going and enjoying the day.

"We have to earn that right with performances on the pitch and if that doesn't happen this year we will get portrayed as a little club just enjoying their season in the Premier League but getting back to reality next year.

"We have to try to change that and I think attitudes can change it just as much as anything else.

"From my perspective we've got to make sure we feel like we deserve to be there and in every single minute of every game the supporters, the players and everyone else involved with the club have to make sure that they aren't just 'little old Albion' enjoying the season.

"The bottom line is that we've earned the right to play in this division.

"We want to compete and be as competitive as we can."

Mowbray is well aware of the task ahead of his side year starting with Arsenal on Saturday who boast an impressive home record, however will be without a number of first-team regulars.

"We are under no illusions," Mowbray added.

"Arsenal might have lost one or two games over the last year or so but I don't think they've lost many at the Emirates.

"It's a difficult game for us but we won't show any fear.

"We go into it as positive as we can and, you never know, sometimes on the opening day of the season you get strange results.

"We need to be ready and I'm sure we will be."