SHELTON Martis is hoping he can help the Baggies win promotion - so he can rub shoulders with former Feyenoord team-mate Robin Van Persie again.

The new Albion signing spent 12 years learning his trade with the Dutch giants and teamed up with Arsenal hitman Van Persie in the reserves when he was 18.

Martis is now hoping his Feyenoord education serves him as well as it has Van Persie in England.

"The most famous player I came through the ranks with at Feyenoord was Van Persie," said Martis.

"I played in the reserves with him.

"It would be nice to help get us promoted and face him again in the Premiership."

The 24-year-old centre-half moved to Dutch outfit Excelsior five years ago but, after suffering relegation, joined second division outfit FC Eindhoven as an amateur before being snapped up by Darlington and eventually moving to Hibernian last summer.

"Being at Feyenoord is one of the best educations you can have," added Martis.

"I started playing at Feyenoord when I was six and worked my way through the ranks.

"I signed a contract with Feyenoord when I was 18 and had one year in the reserves.

"From there I went to Excelsior.

"When we got relegated I went to FC Eindhoven but they didn't have the money to pay everyone so some players were amateurs.

"I just went there to play my game and prove to people I could play at that level."