Mowbray backs 'diamond' defender

Last updated : 16 February 2009 By Wba-mad Editor

Albion boss Tony Mowbray has backed defensive duo Leon Barnett and Abdoulaye Meite after their errors cost the Baggies dear during their 3-2 defeat to Newcastle United.

Twenty-three year-old Barnett had a torrid time against the Magpies with defensive blunders leading up to United's first and second goals. Meite was also to blame allowing Steven Taylor a free-header for the visitor's third with the pair receiving a degree of sympathy from Mowbray.

Barnett, who has only ten Premier League appearances to his name and was playing for Luton Town only two years ago, still lacks experience at the highest level with Meite also searching for form after a catalogue of injuries this season.

"No-one could ever question Leon Barnett's personality," Mowbray stated.

"He's a diamond of a lad, really.

"He's a young guy who gives you everything he's got.

"He puts his heart and soul on the line in every game.

"You can only praise him and credit him, yet he's a young central defender and it's a harsh world we're playing in.

"That's football and he has to learn from the little things that don't go his way - it happens."

Prior to the Newcastle fixture Meite had failed to train with the squad after a combination of injury and mixed weather conditions hampered his preparation. The former Bolton man has struggled to gain any sort of fitness so far this season with Mowbray believing injuries have taken their toll on the Ivory Coast international.

"Psychologically, injuries hurt you," Mowbray added.

"If you're playing every week, the team is going well, you're winning games and you're playing well, then you're on top of your game.

"If you come in, do okay but don't train and then go out in a big game and it doesn't happen for you early on, it can affect you.

"It's easy to sit here in hindsight and say we weren't great defensively and we gifted Newcastle goals.

"But players build their confidence from having steady games and keeping clean sheets.

"Then, before you know it, you're part of a team that's going well and functioning."