DEAN Kiely was delighted to mark his milestone 700^th senior career appearance with clean-sheet No.228 in Saturday's 2-0 win over Barnsley.

And the 36-year-old keeper believes the Baggies will be in the promotion mix come the end of the season if he can maintain his ratio of one shut-out in almost every three games.

The ex-Ireland international has remained unbeaten in four of Albion's six games this term.

"I'm fiercely proud of my record and take a lot of satisfaction from it," said Kiely.

"I'll just kick on now.

"In a game like Saturday's, when we were so on top and played some good football, a goalkeeper needs to stay alert.

"When Barnsley's chance came I was pleased to make the save.

"I'm happy with my contribution.

"The defence changed in the cup against Bournemouth and Peterborough but, whatever the personnel, our aim is to have a solid defensive unit and play well together.

"Last season we were very free-scoring but didn't keep many clean-sheets.

"My contribution is to try and change that.

"Four clean-sheets from six games is a very good return so far.

"I've kept 228 clean-sheets in 700 games.

"That's about one in three and if I can achieve that this season we'll be there or thereabouts."

The Salford-born stopper admits it's been a bit like a doctor's surgery at The Hawthorns this summer with all the comings and goings.

But he has every confidence in Tony Mowbray and likes the way things are shaping up on the pitch.

"It's been a busy summer but I've got total faith in the gaffer and the way he wants to do things," added Kiely.

"I'm sure all the players he has brought in are going to make a contribution.

"This close-season was his chance to put his stamp on the team.

"He should take a lot of credit for the way he wants to play football and set about things.

"All credit to him.

"I think the fans enjoy it.

"There was some tremendous football played on Saturday."

One of Mowbray's new recruits, Filipe Teixeira, showed what he is capable of by opening his Albion account in the 30th minute in spectacular fashion.

And Kiely insists the language barrier will not be an issue for the Portuguese winger if he keeps performing like that.

"Football nowadays is like a 'League of Nations'," quipped Kiely.

"But the one thing everyone understands is that Filipe wants the ball and we want to give it him in dangerous areas.

"He took his goal extremely well.

"Whether he's playing in England or Portugal, that's what he's good at."

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