Albion manager Mark McGhee today challenged Chris Iwelumo to earn a longer contract by proving he can be a First Division striker.

Iwelumo headed his third goal in four games to wrap up Saturday's 2-0 home victory against Hartlepool.

The big Scottish target man is trying to win a more permanent deal after signing last month on a free transfer from Stoke until the end of the season.

McGhee said: "If we are still in the Second Division then I've absolutely no doubts, if we are in the First Division then I want to see what happens between now and the end of the season.

"If we end up in the First Division I want to make sure it is with a team that is not going to be found out again.

"We've got to have a team that is going to be easily good enough to keep us there. In order to be convinced about Chris and his credentials for that, I need to see a bit more."

Iwelumo and Leon Knight have shared five goals in four matches together.

Knight said: "Our partnership is coming along. I set him up against Hartlepool and he set up my goal against Colchester."

Iwelumo could cost Albion up to £30,000, depending on whether they reach the play-offs, are promoted and he then stays.

Recent signing Paul Reid was pressing his claim for a contract next season in the reserves at Reading today.

Albion reserves (from): S. Jones; Piper, Hinshelwood, Elphick, Rents, Reid, Hammond, Budd, Beck, Windsor, Robinson, Carey, Mountford, S. May, Cox, C. May, Breach.