GIANNI Zuiverloon is determined to prove he is Premier League class after being given his big chance by Albion.

The Dutch Under-21 star yesterday put pen to paper on a three-year Baggies deal, plus a further year's option in the club's favour, and is relishing the prospect of fighting for a place in Tony Mowbray's XI.

Zuiverloon becomes the Black Country club's most expensive defender ever at £3.2million and he has been impressed by what he has seen so far.

"It's a nice club, I want to play in the Premier League and they've given me a chance," said the 21-year-old right-back.

"I know Tony Mowbray is a good trainer.

"He knows what he wants and he is a very honest man.

"The training facilities are good and the stadium is really nice.

"I'm looking forward to my time here.

"It's my dream to play against the big names in the Premier League and now I'm finally here."

The Rotterdam-born ace will now have to battle it out with Carl Hoefkens and Jared Hodgkiss for the right-back spot.

"I feel I am a good defender and I also get forward to get crosses in," he added.

"I'm very excited to begin and show everyone who I am.

"Competition for places is always good and it can only help me get better.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Zuiverloon came through the ranks at Feyenoord but it could have been a different story had it not been for a chance phonecall by his mum to earn him a trial with the Dutch giants as a five year old.

He was handed his professional debut by then-boss Ruud Gullit in August 2004 and believes the style of football he was brought up on will stand him in good stead at Albion.

"My mum just picked Feyenoord's number out of the phonebook and rang them," he quipped.

"She didn't know anything about football.

"I went for a trial and they signed me.

"It was a very good place to develop as a footballer.

"You're brought up playing football at Feyenoord.

"I looked at the style of play that Albion use before making my decision to come here because I didn't want to play for a team that just uses the long ball.

"West Brom like to play football, which suits me."

Zuiverloon's Premier League bow is set to be delayed due to his involvement in Holland's squad at the Beijing Olympics in August.

He will miss the Baggies' Barclays Premier League return at Arsenal on August 16 but is expected to be available for Albion's opening home league game against Everton seven days later.

And he insists the chance to compete in the Olympics is an opportunity he just could not pass up.

"I'm very excited to be part of the Dutch squad for the Olympics," he added.

"It is the biggest event in the world.

"It will mean I'll miss the first match of the season at Arsenal, which is a real pity.

"But I'll be available after that and eager to get going."

PIC: EYE ON THE BALL...Zuiverloon trains with his new team-mates

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