West Bromwich Albion boss may give loan signing Jay Simpson a starring role

Jan 6 2009 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail

TONY Mowbray has hinted that Jay Simpson will be given a starring role in Albion’s front line during his loan spell.

The 20-year-old can play as a striker or on the right-wing, a position he occupied during his successful stint at Millwall last season.

Simpson revealed after Saturday’s game against Peterborough that he favoured a more traditional centre-forward role.

And Mowbray agrees, claiming the Arsenal youngster is better off as a front man.

But Mowbray accepts that first-team football is imperative for the youngster.

“Jay’s natural position is as a centre-forward,” Mowbray told the Birmingham Mail.

“Down the middle, where he can run over the top and be slipped in from the side.

“He uses his body well so he has no problems holding it up and getting it played into him – for that reason I would suggest he’s a centre-forward.

“He’s here to make an impact.”

Mowbray admitted Simpson did not have the easiest of introductions in Saturday’s FA Cup game against Peterborough.

Simpson replaced Robert Koren at half-time but Albion’s overall performance