Luke relishing Di Matteo reign

Last updated : 11 September 2009 By Wba-mad Editor

Luke Moore has put his new lease of life at The Hawthorns down to the introduction on head coach Roberto Di Matteo and his backroom staff. 

The former England Under-21 international has already doubled his tally of goals scored this season compared to the whole of his Albion career after starting this season’s five league games.

Moore, who is set to be fit for Saturday’s game against Plymouth (KO 3pm) after picking up an ankle injury against Sheffield United, has claimed the added responsibility put on his shoulders by Di Matteo is paying dividends this term.

"I feel good,” the 23-year-old said.

"I am just trying to contribute and help the team get promoted because that's the main aim.

"It's clear to everyone that I feel more involved and that's really important.

"The gaffer relies on me and that's the main thing.

"I know that he counts on me and, in football terms, we have a lot in common.

"We see the game the same way and we want to play the game the same way, and I think that always helps.

"Any player will tell you that when the coach relies on you it shows he has trust in you and the results are just down to that.

"It's common knowledge in football that every player wants to have the manager's trust.

"He has been first class."

The striker’s brace at Peterborough helped the Baggies to consecutive victories on the road after a fine run of form in pre-season.  Moore is hoping his good form, and Albion’s unbeaten record continues, but insists nobody is underestimating the difficulty of the Championship after relegation last term.

"I feel that the Championship is the hardest league to play in, and I include the Premier League in that,” the former Villa striker revealed.

"I don't think you can have easy games to be honest.

"It would be really dangerous for us to start thinking like that.

"We put the pressure and the onus on ourselves to go out and win every game.

"That's within us.

"But we don't really feel extra pressure now because we understand that every team in this league can beat anyone, so we just have to focus on each game."