West Brom midfielder Jonathan Greening has likened Baggies boss Tony Mowbray to Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson after he guided them to the top of the Championship.

Chris Brunt's late equaliser against Southampton on Monday night means the Midlanders are virtually assured of a return to the top-flight, and former United man Greening feels Mowbray deserves a large chunk of the credit.

Greening, who was bought from York City by Ferguson in 1998, said: "Tony Mowbray reminds me a lot of Sir Alex Ferguson - in fact, everything about him.

"He has got an aura, you listen to what he says and what he says always makes sense - the same qualities as Sir Alex.

"I think he likes to play football in the right way, just like Sir Alex, and I think he has got every chance of being a top manager with West Brom and also going on and being a top manager in the Champions League as well.

"He knows everything about the game, tactics, and everything. I have really enjoyed working for him for a year and a half.

"Training is very good and enjoyable every day and that can only help everyone and that is why we have probably got a good team spirit."

Speculation has linked the former Hibernian manager with a return to previous clubs Middlesbrough or Celtic, but Greening is confident Mowbray will want to finish what he has started at The Hawthorns.

"I think there have been things in the paper about Celtic being interested in the gaffer and Middlesbrough as well," he said.

"The more he does with West Brom, the more he is going to be linked with a lot of teams.

"But he has started something here at West Brom and will probably want to finish it off. It will have to be a big temptation for him to leave."

The 1-1 draw with Southampton put West Brom three points clear of third-placed Hull with one game remaining, meaning Hull need to win by 12 goals at Ipswich on the final day and hope the Baggies lose at QPR if they are to pip them to automatic promotion.

Tom Williams / Eurosport