Baggies hitman issues goals pledge

Luke Moore claims he can build on his first goal for West Brom and help them pull clear of relegation danger if he is left in the team.

The former Aston Villa man joined the Baggies on loan in the January transfer window before sealing a permanent £3.5million switch to the Hawthorns in the summer. And, having struggled for first-team action in his time at West Brom due to the likes of Kevin Phillips, Ishmael Miller and Roman Bednar being ahead of him in the pecking order, Phillips' summer departure and Miller's long-term knee injury has now seen him thrust into boss Tony Mowbray's plans.

Moore responded with his first goal for the club in Sunday's 2-1 home win against Manchester City and he says he can deliver the goods on a consistent basis to help Albion mount another great escape from relegation despite sitting bottom at Christmas.

He said: "It's always a boost to score and as a striker I think I can kick on from here now.

"It's difficult when you're not in the team and you can't get a run going.

"I haven't had a consecutive run of games since I was back at Villa and it takes time.

"Any player who wants to play will speak to the manager. I'm not content to be here and just pick up my money. I want to play.

"There is no big issue with it but every player in my position would have a word with the manager. You just have to do it in the right way and I did it a long time ago.

"I feel good and hopefully I can kick on. I can score goals if I am starting games. I have always known that and I am sure the Villa fans know that.

"The last year has been frustrating but that's football. There are ups and downs and I have been around long enough to realise that. As a striker I need games. If I start games I can only get better."