Former West Brom star linked with a move to The Hawthorns

Jun 10 2009 by Chris Lepkowski

ST Johnstone concede they will struggle to keep Derek McInnes if Albion decide to target their former promotion-winning captain.

The Baggies are still waiting to find out whether Celtic will match their £2million compensation package for manager Tony Mowbray.

Although Albion still hope to keep Mowbray, they will be mindful that they may need to prepare for a future without the 45-year-old Teessider.

And McInnes is likely to be near the top of Albion’s hit-list should Mowbray leave for Parkhead.

The 37-year-old, who skippered Albion to promotion in 2002, remains highly-revered among senior Hawthorns officials, not least chairman Jeremy Peace.

McInnes has just taken St Johnstone into the SPL in his first full season as a manager and has already emerged as a target for Watford.

But the ex-Rangers man, who made 100 appearances during a three-year spell for Albion, will be keeping a close eye on events at The Hawthorns.

McInnes would certainly be a popular choice among many fans - his side also play passing football and built their success around a strong defence.

And St Johnstone chairman Geoff Brown admits that the Perth-based club are braced for interest in their manager, who has just 12 months remaining on his current deal.