Gera puzzled by Mowbray snub

[Olzy]

Zoltan Gera admits he is "confused" at being overlooked by West Brom boss Tony Mowbray, with Middlesbrough the latest club to monitor him.

The Hungarian international has found himself regularly warming the bench at The Hawthorns this season having started just seven of the 12 Championship games he has appeared in.

Gera's contract with Albion runs out at the end of the season and the 28-year-old has admitted he is no longer sure what his status is with the Baggies.

A number of clubs are keeping tabs on his situation, and Boro boss Gareth Southgate has reportedly joined Aston Villa and Sunderland in the race to try and sign the right-sided midfielder in January's transfer window.

"I am in and out of the team from one game to the next, I am confused," Gera told the Hungarian press. "I played my best when we won 3-2 away against Scunthorpe, I was man of the match. After this I was out of the squad against Cardiff and over the following six games I was in the starting line-up only once.

"I tried to do my best in the 20-30 minutes I got as a substitute but it didn't make a difference.

"Against Norwich, I was stressed because I wanted to show in the 30 minutes I was on the field that I am good enough to start. I had a couple of good shots but I made some bad passes as well.

"Of course I don't want to have too high expectations and be in the starting eleven all the time, but I think I have spent enough time at this club to be given a chance if I play well.

"I have thought a lot about my present situation and the only explanation I can give is that the coach does not rely on me anymore."