Mowbray insists claims are rubbish

Mowbray's name has been linked with the vacant post since the departure of former England captain Bryan Robson almost three weeks ago, as has that of ex-Rangers manager Alex McLeish, among others.

And today Mowbray admitted he was becoming "irritated" by the continual speculation which, he insisted, has no foundation.

A report in a Glasgow-based newspaper this morning echoed a claim from Birmingham that Mowbray, who along with his assistant Mark Venus signed a new contract at Easter Road only recently, had impressed at a second interview with WBA. But Mowbray dismissed that claim, saying: "If I've had a second interview I'd like to know when the first one was. I've had no contact with West Brom and I am not anticipating any."

If West Brom were to be interested in acquiring the services of Mowbray, whose impressive work at Easter Road since arriving in May 2004 has been closely monitored by many clubs in England - he rejected an approach from his former side Ipswich Town at the end of last season - they would need the permission of Hibs to speak to him.

And today Hibs chairman Rod Petrie revealed there had been no approach from West Brom.

Mowbray, however, was today clearly fed-up of the continuing speculation which, he conceded, will only end when West Brom announce the identity of their new manager. Despite the reports emanating from south of the Border, the Evening News understands that the Hawthorns club have yet to start interviewing candidates - thought to include Steve Cotterill and Joe Kinnear.

It is believed they are still drawing up a short-list to be interviewed by a three-man panel, chairman Jeremy Peace and fellow directors Jeff Farmer and Mark Jenkins.

Mowbray, who was behind his desk at Easter Road early this morning, said: "I do not know who is doing the talking but I know from having spoken to Rod that there has been no contact. That's why this speculation is irritating for me. I do not know anything, it's been rumbling on for a few days now and it will only go away when West Brom sort things out."

It is understood that Peace doesn't expect to make an announcement on a new boss until next week at the very earliest with assistant manager Nigel Pearson expected to still be in charge of the team when they face Ipswich a week tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Hibs kid Kenny Waugh - grandson of the former Easter Road chairman of the same name - scored the goal which took Scotland's Under-17 side through to the next round of the European Youth Championship as they drew 1-1 with Hungary in Armenia.