SHELTON Martis is relishing the chance to prove himself at Championship level after becoming Albion's first summer signing.

The centre-half put pen to paper on a two-year Hawthorns deal, plus a further year's option in the club's favour, on Monday.

And he is looking forward to once again linking up with Tony Mowbray, who also took the 24-year-old to Easter Road last August in his time as Hibernian boss.

"Tony Mowbray gave me confidence," said Martis.

"He was a defender as well so I can only keep learning from him.

"I'm looking forward to playing at Championship level and the challenge of trying to win promotion to the Premiership.

"I think the Championship is a bit better than the SPL.

"It's a step up and this is a big opportunity for me.

"I'm going to do my best to get into the team. Hopefully, I'll get the chance.

"This is an exciting time in my career.

"I just need to believe in my own abilities."

Born on the Caribbean island of Caracao, Martis moved to Holland when he was four years old.

He worked his way up through the junior ranks at Feyenoord before moves to Dutch outfits Excelsior and FC Eindhoven eventually led to him coming to England to join Darlington in July 2005.

While he does not model his game on a particular player, he is a big admirer of fellow countryman Jaap Stam, who started at Dutch minnows PEC Zwolle before playing for the likes of PSV, Manchester United, Lazio and AC Milan.

"I didn't really have a role model but it would be good to achieve something like Jaap Staam who started at a small club and went on to big things," Martis added.

"Mainly I look at centre-halves around the world and take bits from them that will improve my game.

"I want to keep improving and express it on the pitch."

PIC: New boys Martis and Craig Beattie pose for the cameras in their new colours