Mowbray's delight at Meite deal

Albion manager Tony Mowbray could not hide his delight at finally securing the transfer for Ivory Coast international defender, Adboulaye Meite, from Bolton. The Baggies boss believes the 27-year-old will add a number of attributes to his backline with Meite boasting an impressive CV.

"We've worked long and hard on this deal and I'm delighted he's signed," Mowbray said.

"All along I felt the player would like to come and play for Albion.

"I genuinely hope he is excited about coming here and playing in a team he thinks he can help.

"He's got to be part of the jigsaw puzzle we're trying to put together and I'm looking forward to working with him.

"He brings power, pace, size and the experience of playing regularly in the Premier League, and playing in a side that did reasonably well in the Premier League.

"He's another international footballer and let's hope the quality he possesses can help the team.

"I'm sure he sees this as a new challenge and one where he hopes to make a good impression."

Meite had dropped down the pecking order at Bolton after falling out with Trotters boss Gary Megson at The Reebok Stadium and as a result has not played as many pre-season fixtures as his new team-mates.

"He's played some football in pre-season but not 90 minutes after 90 minutes," the Baggies boss continued.

"He's taken part in two or three games and is likely to be a little bit behind.

"We'll test his fitness along with the rest of the players today.

"That will give us an idea of where he is."