JOHN Hartson has been released by Albion.

The 32-year-old striker joined on a two-year deal from Celtic in June 2006.

He made the perfect start to his Baggies career the following month, scoring twice on his debut in an opening-day victory over Hull.

However, after the signing of Kevin Phillips, and Diomansy Kamara's return to fitness, Hartson gradually slipped down the pecking order and found first-team chances hard to come by during the second half of the season.

After failing to figure for the first team at the start of this campaign, he joined Championship rivals Norwich on a month's loan in October before returning to The Hawthorns.

In total, Hartson scored six times in 24 appearances, including eight as a substitute, for Albion. 

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