Miller's injury blow

Last updated : 07 December 2008 By Wba-mad Editor

Albion have been rocked with another medial knee ligament injury - this time to striker Ishmael Miller. The medial knee ligament curse against struck at The Hawthorns after Miller collided with England 'keeper David James in the 76th minute.

The former Manchester City marksman was forced to leave the field on a stretcher with the injury and was taken to hospital for tests on his injured knee with Mowbray revealing the 21-year-old could be on the sidelines for at least six weeks.

"Ishmael collided with James and it was just one of those things," Mowbray said philosophically.

"I think he's got a medial knee ligament injury, which is a blow to us.

"Although he's only 21, he is a threat to most teams he plays against because his size, pace and power puts them on the back foot.

"While he's also got a few stitches in his head, Ishmael's off to hospital now to get an X-ray on his leg to see what the severity of the injury is.

"But the doctors say it's a medial knee ligament injury and in my experience it will be a minimum of six weeks out.

"But we'll wait to see how severe it is."

The injury to Miller now looks sure to push Albion to use the loan market when the January transfer window opens with Mowbray revealing Miller's misfortune could well give Luke Moore an opportunity at The Hawthorns.

"We're looking to loan players in if we can," he added.

"We're making enquiries.

"It's very difficult to bring a Premier League-quality striker in who will score you lots of goals.

"No-one's going to give you those for free.

"What I look at as a positive is that it will give Luke and Roman the opportunity to push themselves forward.

"They probably feel as if they should be playing more regularly and will now get an opportunity.

"Luke hasn't really had an opportunity and if one comes from this and he grasps the nettle by pushing himself forward, that would be great for him and for us.

"Let's hope one of them comes to the fore and scores goals."