Mowbray keeping his feet on the ground

Despite reaching the division's pinnacle for the first time since the start of February, Tony Mowbray has stressed nobody will be getting carried away with just five games to go. The strange nature of the Championship - with any team seemingly able to beat another - has brought out Mowbray's cautious side with the Baggies boss taking nothing for granted.

In fact, Albion could be demoted to second if Saturday's opposition, Watford, secure three-points against Barnsley tonight, albeit having played one game more.

"No-one at our club is going to get carried away," the Baggies chief insisted.

"We've seen too many strange results in this division for that.

"I'm sure there will be a few more twists and turns for anyone to be getting ahead of themselves.

"We've got a huge game on Saturday against a team that could potentially be top of the table by then.

"It's been a strange season for Watford who looked like they were going to run away with it and have recently had a series of draws.

"They got back to winning ways at the weekend and they'll be coming knowing what our Achilles heel is and trying to take advantage.

"But, hopefully, we can impose our own style on the game, take the points and then games will be starting to run out for teams.

"I think going top gives the boys a boost.

"It can create an impetus within the team.

"With Bristol losing at the weekend, and Stoke losing Monday night, it's important you try and capitalise.

"But everyone has been saying that for a few months and everyone keeps tripping up.

"At Blackpool we didn't."

Although having played four games in just 11 days, Mowbray has insisted none of his troops are starting to feel the effects of fatigue with all quarters looking forward to the visit of the Hornets this Saturday (KO 5.20pm), and hopefully promotion in the long-run.

"There's a real determination in the dressing room," Mowbray added.

"We've got some big characters and they were desperate we didn't fall over a potential banana skin at Blackpool.

"I'm delighted with the attitude of the team.

"If you were in the dressing room at half-time and before the game you could feel the desire and passion to win football matches.

"We won't fail this year through lack of determination and desire.

"Whether other issues catch up with the team, we'll have to wait and see.

"But if you keep winning, you don't feel quite as tired and drained.

"We've just got to keep going."

The only downside to the Bloomfield Road victory was the substitution of Martin Albrechtsen who limped off with a groin injury in the 28^th minute with Mowbray also revealing no other injury worries after Zoltan Gera was left out of the squad.

"I'm pretty sure Martin's problem is only a fatigue injury and there is no strain, tear or pull - it's just a tired groin," Mowbray said.

"We'll look after him for a few days and see if he's got a chance for the weekend.

"I gave Zoltan a rest tonight."