JAY Simpson has set himself an ambitious ten-goal target as he bids to help the Baggies beat the Barclays Premier League drop.

The 20-year-old Arsenal striker, who joined on loan until the end of the season on New Year's Eve, made his debut as a half-time substitute in Saturday's FA Cup draw with League One Peterborough.

Although he was naturally disappointed his first Albion appearance did not produce a win which would have guaranteed a place in the fourth-round draw, Simpson was just pleased to get some game time.

He started on the wing - a position he excelled in during a loan spell at Millwall last term - before being moved up front.

And Simpson is hoping he did enough to play a part in Albion's eagerly-awaited derby at Villa in five days' time (ko 12.45pm).

"In the FA Cup, anyone can win," he said.

"A lot of underdogs did well last season.

"I was just glad to get a run out.

"It was good to get 45 minutes under my belt and I want to build up my match fitness now.

"I prefer to play up top and be getting in behind and scoring goals.

"But last season I played out wide, got at defenders and got crosses in.

"I think people can expect goals from me if I play up top.

"I'm aiming for ten. If I get more, brilliant. If I fall short, I'll know I've got work to do.

"Some people think pace is my main asset but I think it's my determination to succeed."

Simpson knows what it is like to be in the thick of a relegation battle having sampled a similar predicament at Millwall.

The Enfield-born forward helped the Lions stay up thanks to a series of impressive displays which earned him the League One Player-of-the-Year Award.

And he firmly believes he can help Tony Mowbray's men repeat the feat.

"I had a relegation battle with Millwall last season and helped them stay up. I'm confident I can do so again here," Simpson added.

"West Brom are good enough to stay up.

"Playing good football doesn't necessarily win games, which is something my club gets criticised for.

"But I think there are a lot of players up for the fight.

"If we can combine those two things we'll do okay."

Victory in the early Villa Park kick-off would not only propel the Baggies out of the bottom three, it would also help his parent club in their fight for fourth place with Martin O'Neill's men.

"I'm excited by the game," said Simpson.

"Villa have broken into the top four, at Arsenal's expense, and are a good young side - but anyone can beat anyone.

"We need to focus on getting three points.

"I've not thought about helping Arsenal because I'm here now but if we can go there and win then that is bound to help Arsenal." 

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