ROBERTO Di Matteo has revealed the reasons he gave Luke Moore for leaving him out of the 25-man squad Albion submitted to the Barclays Premier League under the new rules.

The former Villa striker is now ineligible for Premier League duty and only available to play in the reserves and the Carling and FA cups.

But Di Matteo confirmed he is keen to send him out on loan to get regular first-team football.

And the Baggies boss is happy with the six remaining strikers he has at his disposal for the club's top-flight campaign.

"The fact we signed Fortuné and I have Miller, Odemwingie, Bednar, Wood and Cox available to me means I have plenty of choices up there," he said.

"I spoke to Luke a couple of times.

"Obviously he wasn't full of joy about it.

"But I have to make decisions - and that's my decision for the 25-man squad to keep it balanced."

Moore started 19 of the Baggies' first 24 Championship games last term, scoring four times, before losing his regular place in the side during the second half of the campaign.

"I think last season he was involved quite a lot and started quite a lot of games," Di Matteo added.

"At the end of the day I have to look at performances and what he brings to the team.

"Towards the end of the season he wasn't involved as much and then I had to make a decision this season.

"The fact he can't play for us until January means it would be better for him if he went out on loan and plays football, rather than just training.

"We've had some enquiries - but nothing concrete."