Mowbray keen for Phillips to stay

He is Albion's top scorer his season and last night he gave all at West Brom a reminder of just how key he can be by coming off the bench and scoring 2 of the goals in their 3-1 victory at Blackpool. Yet Kevin Phillips is still to put pen to paper over a new deal at the Hawthorns, despite the fact that his current contract is due to expire this summer.

Contract talks between Phillips, Mowbray and Chairman Jeremy Peace have been going on for some time, with Mowbray eager to get Phillips to sign for an additional year.

But sources close to Phillips have revealed that the striker is unhappy to sign for anything less than 2 years, a prospect which allegedly worries Peace as there is some concern over the players recurring knee problems.

Even scoring 24 goals in all competitions has not guaranteed the 34 year old ex Sunderland striker a place in Mowbray's starting line up.  Mowbray today indicated that he would continue to get regular rest periods, even if an extension deal is signed.

In a show of support Skipper Jonathan Greening spoke out about his team mate Phillips, backing his claim to get more than a 12 month extension on his current contract.