West Brom boss Bryan Robson says that Jason Koumas has almost certainly played his last game for the Baggies. Koumas is on a season-long loan at Cardiff City, who hosted Robson's side in a pre-season friendly on Sunday.
But when asked after West Brom's 2-0 win whether Koumas had a future at the Hawthorns, Robson replied bluntly "no".
"I've got quite a few players who are in front of him so it would have to be a big turnaround to force his way back into my squad," Robson said.
Koumas is on the transfer list, with Cardiff having first refusal on a permanent switch to Ninian Park.
"Dropping down into the Championship I'm sure he'll do Cardiff a real good job, the quality he has on the ball is as good as anything I've got in my squad," Robson added.
While Robson admits the Wales midfielder has attacking talent, he has previously criticised other aspects of Koumas' game.
"I've been disappointed with his attitude at a time when other midfield players have moved above him in the pecking order," said Robson in May after transfer-listing Koumas.
Koumas, 25, joined West Brom in a �2.5m deal from Tranmere in August 2002.
However, there was reassurance for Koumas' Wales team-mate Rob Earnshaw that the striker has a big part to play in Robson's West Brom plans.
Former Cardiff player Earnshaw enjoyed his return to Ninian Park, getting a standing ovation from the Bluebirds fans and hitting the bar with a free-kick.
"Earnie scored 11 goals for us last season," Robson said. "If you go out and try to buy someone who will score 11 goals in the Premiership they are very difficult to find - or very expensive.
"He's a part of our squad, he knows that there's good competition with Kanu, (Kevin) Campbell and (Geoff) Horsfield and everyone who is part of the squad has a big part to play.
"It's up to Earnie to keep scoring the goals, to try and improve as an individual player and get the build-up part of the game into his game as well.
"The ones who are playing well get in the team, and if they're on the bench I expect their attitude and mental approach to the game to be spot-on."
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It's up to Earnie (Rob Earnshaw) to keep scoring the goals
Match of the Day - Post-match interviews 