Darren Moore: Bakary Sako's arrival is not the end for £15m man Oliver Burke

Burke had hoped to cement himself in the Albion team this season after a disappointing opening campaign following his big-money move from RB Leipzig.

But the 21-year-old is yet to start a match in the Championship this season as his career continues to stall.

Albion signed Sako until the end of the season after taking the free agent on trial, but Moore waved away the suggestion it was bad news for Burke.

"No, we've got a squad of players for a competitive division," he said. "There's still another 36 league games to go.

"It's a really tough gruelling season ahead and we've got a busy period coming up and we've still got the FA Cup too.

"There's still a long way to go and we need to call upon our squad.

"In terms of those two players, they're in the thick of the squad. I want them fit so they're ready if called upon."

Burke scored in the first round of the Carabao Cup this season but hasn't featured in the league since opening day.

However, he did impress for the under-23s this week, scoring one and setting up another in a 3-2 win over Stoke at The Hawthorns.

"It was important for Oli to get some minutes," said Moore. "He scored a wonderful goal and got an assist.

"There's nothing better than an attacking player scoring goals so great news. We know that he's got that match sharpness so if called upon he's ready to step in."

Burke has been weighed down by his £15m price tag, but Moore believes it's an unfair stick to beat him with.

And even though the winger hasn't even made the bench for the past three league games, Moore is encouraged by his progress behind the scenes.

"It's a price tag that Oli hasn't put on himself," he said. "It's where the game is at at the moment.

"He's a wonderful player, a good man, we're working hard together.

"He'll be the first to say there are parts of his game starting to improve and long may that continue.

"Oli Burke has got a bright future ahead of him, but there's lots of work to be done.

"There is lots of education to be done, because one so young, he's learning a lot.

"He's got a team of coaches around him giving him all those learning aspects of the game. It's good to see signs of improvement."