Darren Moore: West Brom's Jay Rodriguez is a man with 'integrity and honesty'

Moore gave a passionate and positive character reference in favour of Rodriguez today, ahead of tomorrow's match with Liverpool.

It comes after the 28-year-old was cleared of racial abuse by an independent panel last week following allegations made by Brighton defender Bong.

However, the fall-out of that decision has rumbled on after Bong claimed afterwards in a statement: "I know what I heard and I did not mishear... I would never seek to bring a false charge against a fellow professional."

But Moore, who has been heavily involved in the Kick It Out campaign against racism in football, has faith in Rodriguez's character.

"Delighted for him and really pleased," said Albion's caretaker boss. "It’s been a difficult week for him.

"I speak on Jay as an individual, he’s a wonderful man with integrity, honesty and he’s sincere really."

Rodriguez has scored three goals in the last four games, including the winner at Old Trafford last Sunday.

Moore has been impressed with his striker's resilience during the ordeal and hopes it can now be put to rest.

"For him to get the goal, he showed his class and character," said Moore. "I thought he showed his composure with having to deal with it off the field.

"He’s been a huge player for us and we at the football club have supported him and stood by him and pleased it’s something he can put to rest now.

"Absolutely (a weight has been lifted). I’m really pleased for him and his form has continued. It’s something he can lay to rest now."

Albion host Liverpool in the lunch-time kick-off tomorrow but Jurgen Klopp's team have a Champions League semi-final first leg against Roma on Tuesday.

Klopp is expected to rest his big hitters ahead of that match, but Moore is refusing to count his chickens.

"We're just preparing for their best team," he said. "Whatever team they select, I think we'll agree, it'll be a team full of talent.

"Whatever team we're faced with, it's going to be a tough game."

Albion can be relegated this weekend if Swansea better their result against Liverpool when they play Manchester City on Sunday.

Victory over Klopp's men will close the gap to safety to six points for 24 hours at least, but Moore is refusing to be drawn into talk of miracles and Great Escapes.

"I'm just focusing all my energy on the next game," he said. "By Saturday afternoon we'll know how the game's gone. Whatever comes we'll deal with it then."

Moore is expected to stay at the club in some capacity next season but he has continually refused to say whether he wants the permanent job or not.

"The thing that feels me with joy is how everybody at the club has pulled together to move forward," he said. "That gives me the biggest pleasure.

"With regards to the role, someone has to sit in the seat, it happens to be me.

"I'll always continue to take it one game at a time. Honestly, it really is one game at a time.

"I know you've got to continue to ask the questions, but from within my heart, it's just one game at a time."