West Brom boss Tony Mowbray says he sympathises with Marek Cech over the lack of action he's seen this season.

"Marek Cech is a player we brought in to compete with Paul Robinson," Mowbray told the club's official website. "I don't know how many man-of-match awards Paul Robinson has this season but his performance levels have been consistently high.

"Marek was frustrated, which I understand. But that's football and I'm delighted Marek showed our fans what a good player he is. That's why I paid £1.4million for him. I don't like having poor players at the club and all players need an opportunity to play. Has he given me a dilemma? Let's wait and see. If it is a dilemma then it's a nice one to have.

"I'm just pleased Marek did well for himself, his family and his team. I'm delighted because he's had a rough six months. All he needed was an opportunity to play in his position. I'm delighted he did so well."

Mowbray also appreciates that Cech is desperate to play as often as possible in order to keep his international dreams alive.

"I can sympathise with him," he added. "I sympathise with him because I've never lived in a country where the language isn't your first tongue.

"But he gets paid to be a footballer and work hard. He deserves credit for producing a performance of such energy and quality having not played for so long."