West Brom's Grady Diangana: 'Inspirational' Tony Mowbray loves football lovers

Diangana and the Baggies struck late in front of the watching returning Mowbray to claim a point against the Potters, who attempted to spoil the party.

It was the least Albion deserved as the caretaker team signed off ready for Mowbray to officially begin his second spell at The Hawthorns - with a first match at one of his former clubs Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

Diangana, starting a league game for the first time in two-and-a-half months, turned in a fine near-post finish to earn a deserved draw and admitted Mowbray's presence and CV is a source of inspiration for the players.

"It's been great, it's always good to get advice and inspiration from someone like Tony," Diangana said.

"He was very inspiring before the game, making sure we enjoy the game and express ourselves.

"We know the experience he's got, we've seen the style he's played at the previous teams he's been at, it's exciting for us to have the opportunity to work with him. Hopefully he can get us up."

Mowbray watched the game from the directors' box in between owner Shilen Patel and sporting director Andrew Nestor but was invited to the dressing room by interim boss Chris Brunt at half-time, before the Baggies found an equaliser.

Asked what the squad picked up in Mowbray's initial conversations, Diangana said: "He was very open about wanting to get to know each player, what their strengths are, what their weaknesses are and was very open for us to go and have a chat with him.

"He loves someone who loves football, so if you ever have something on your chest you can go and get it out."

Mowbray takes Albion to the Riverside tomorrow night barely a week on from his final medical checks to receive the all-clear to return to work having recovered from bowel cancer.

The Baggies, in sixth, tackle seventh-placed Boro with the sides level on points thanks to Diangana's equaliser from winger Mikey Johnston's cross. The neat finish was one of 23 shots from the Baggies.

The attacker, who has suffered several injury setbacks this season, added:  "Credit to the wide boys, causing havoc down the wings getting crosses in, we couldn't get on too many of them but hopefully it will come.

"I've been working on which positions to be in and how to get on the end of things."