Baggies can bounce back - Mowbray

The Albion manager also dismissed the theory that the division is harder than two years ago when his side gained promotion to the top flight.

Mowbray said: "Is the Championship harder now? I wouldn't suggest so. I have watched a fair bit of Championship football this season."

He added: "It is always very competitive but, is it a more difficult league than two years ago? I don't think so.

"I think it is very similar league with a lot of teams in the mix. I think Reading were the last team that ran away with the Championship after notching up a huge number of points.

"Since then I don't think there has been any 'outstanding' team that has ran away with the league - and yet it is very competitive."

Mowbray is optimistic his side will be capable of stamping their authority on English football's second tier if he can get the right blend of youth and experience.

He said: "I would envisage us being a very competitive team next year. I am not too concerned about the age of players but you have got to get the balance right.

"I don't think the balance will be right if you fill the team full of young kids because they are going to find the Championship too physical, too big, too strong.

"I don't have this picture of a young team in my mind. I hopefully have the picture of a winning team in my mind."