WEST Brom manager Bryan Robson is optimistic Ugo Ehiogu will complete his move from Middlesbrough after the weekend as 'a couple of hitches' prevented the defender from signing in time for Saturday's Barclays Premiership clash at Wigan.

The 33-year-old failed to put pen to paper by Firday's lunchtime deadline required for him to face Paul Jewell's side in the latest twist in the transfer.

It means club captain Darren Moore or utility player Steve Watson is likely to partner Curtis Davies at the JJB Stadium as Albion look for their first away league win of the campaign.

Robson said: "There are a couple of hitches which are holding the deal up. Hopefully they will be resolved over the weekend and by Monday Ugo is going to be a West Brom player.

"I would have preferred to have it tied up by now but, because of the circumstances at Middlesbrough, with a few defenders picking up injuries, it was an on-off-on deal.

"That delayed it and, because there has been a hitch between the two clubs and the player in terms of the personal terms, it has been delayed and we couldn't get it through in time for Ugo to be involved at Wigan.

"You can have aims in the transfer market but there are different types of hitches that can happen and thats why it can't always be smooth to sign players."

Albion have collected only three points out of a possible 30 on their travels this season.