Bednar urges ace to stay on

Albion's Roman Bednar today marked his permanent move to The Hawthorns by urging mentor Kevin Phillips to sign up too.

The Baggies secured Bednar on a three-year contract yesterday in a £2.5m transfer from Hearts, but manager Tony Mowbray is still sweating on the future of veteran marksman Phillips.

Now 25-year-old Bednar is urging his strike partner to follow him by agreeing to stay. "It would be fantastic if he stayed," said Bednar.

"He's one of the most important players for us and he's the top scorer in the Championship for us.

"It's not just his goals but his calmness and composure. He makes everything look easy.

"When I play with him I just watch and learn and everyone feels the same.

"I've learned so much about composure and finishing and yet I was so surprised he said I was a good finisher.

"It would be fantastic to have him here for a few more years. In club football he's the best striker I've played with."

Albion manager Tony Mowbray is now keen for a speedy resolution to contract talks with Phillips, who is stalling on agreeing a deal to stay with the club after his 24 goals helped fire the Baggies to the Championship title and the FA Cup semi-finals last season.

Phillips wants a two-year deal as reward for his efforts but Albion are reluctant to agree for a player of his age.

The Baggies have offered a second year if he makes a pre-determined number of appearances next season.

But the ex-Sunderland man is believed to have straight two-year offers from elsewhere. Premier League new-boys Stoke are reported to have joined Championship big spenders QPR in the race for his services.

Securing Bednar's services is, however, another major step for Mowbray and the Czech striker is relishing a chance in the Premier League.

"It's the best league in the whole world with some of the biggest clubs in the world," said Bednar.

"To play there will be amazing and another step forward in my career as I have things to learn."