Former Albion stalwart Nathan Jones is being backed for the managerial vacancy at Stoke.

The odds have tumbled on the Luton Town boss succeeding Gary Rowett, who was sacked this morning.

Welshman Jones played for Albion, returned as assistant manager when Oscar Garcia took charge and then became caretaker for two matches before the appointment four years ago of Chris Hughton.

Luton are second in League One after Jones steered them to promotion from League Two as runners-up.

Jones' former Albion team-mate Mark Cartwright is the head of recruitment at Stoke, although the ex-keeper is coming under fire for signings following relegation from the Premier League last season and poor results over the festive period, which have dropped the Potters to 14th in the Championship.

Martin Hinshelwood, another former Albion stalwart, is a Stoke scout.