TONY Mowbray has told Craig Beattie to enjoy his time at Crystal Palace and let his Albion future take care of itself.

The Scotland striker was sent on a month-long loan to Selhurst Park after slipping down the Hawthorns pecking order behind Roman Bednar, Ishmael Miller and Luke Moore.

And Mowbray is hoping he can rediscover his form after being restricted to two Premier League substitute appearances this term.

Beattie has started well at Palace, scoring the winner against Charlton in the second of his three starts for the Championship outfit.

"I think all the strikers are going to have an opportunity and they have to grasp the nettle when it comes," said the Baggies boss.

"Craig was allowed to go basically because he wasn't getting an opportunity to play first-team football.

"We felt it was right for him to go and get up to speed really and try and play week in, week out for Palace.

"He scored the other day and let's hope it gives him the confidence to try and force his way back into our set-up.

"But that all depends on how things are going at this end.

"If he comes back and Ishmael and Roman are on ten goals each then there is a fair chance he is going to find himself back in the same position he was.

"It's a very open book for Craig really.

"Let's see how he does, how he enjoys Palace and how we're doing when his loan period is up.

"When he went I just said go and play some football, try and get some goals and put a smile on your face."

Dean Kiely has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for their World Cup qualifier against Cyrpus on Wednesday.

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