West Bromwich Albion caretaker manager Keith Downing has said that he would like to see the club make a permanent managerial appointment soon.

The 48-year-old has led the Midlands side to a four-match unbeaten run since taking temporary charge following the sacking of Steve Clarke last month.

Downing has hinted that he would reject the opportunity to remain at the helm until the end of the season, should he be offered the chance.

"I'm enjoying it. But just because we've been unbeaten doesn't make me the best coach in the world," Goal.com quotes Downing as saying.

"My job was to galvanise the players, get the results before the next man comes in. Once this week is over, I'm hoping something might get done. I don't want the job. I've said all along that I was only in a support role. The players lost a bit of belief and in the last two or three performances they've got that back.

"That's just through their own hard work. There is no magic wand. I haven't changed a great deal. I don't think I'd take the job until the end of the season. I'm happy to disappear into the background. But a decision has to be made because I can't be caretaker forever."

The Baggies beat Newcastle United 1-0 on New Year's Day to move four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.