ISHMAEL Miller has given Albion's promotion push a major shot in the arm by completing a permanent £900,000 move from Manchester City.

The Baggies have taken up their option to buy the powerhouse striker before the January transfer deadline, a clause they inserted in the deal which brought Miller to the club on a season-long loan in August.

Albion have now agreed personal terms with the 20-year-old and he has put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year contract, plus an extra year's option in the club's favour, after passing a medical.

Boss Tony Mowbray said: "I'm delighted Ishmael is now our player.

"He pretty much came here as an unknown quantity at this level.

"I saw him play a few times for Manchester City reserves when he was played out on the left wing.

"But we saw his strength, size, power and pace and thought we could utilise it.

"He's grown in stature and confidence since joining us. He's done exceptionally well.

"Ishmael's now got to build on that.

"We've also got to try to nurture an emerging talent into a top player."

Miller became an overnight Hawthorns hit by scoring a sensational solo goal just seven minutes into his Baggies debut against Preston in August.

He went on to score an impressive nine goals in his first 13 games for the club before a knee injury suffered against Wolves in November kept him out for a month.

Miller, who now has ten goals to his name, is currently sidelined with a short-term hamstring problem but is expected to return to training next week. 

Subscribers to our SMS breaking news service got this story first. To sign up, simply text CLUB WBA NEWS to 88442 (texts cost 25p each) or click here.