PELE is hoping he has done enough to ensure he plays a big part in Albion's survival fight after answering Tony Mowbray's SOS call at centre-half during the club's injury crisis.
The Cape Verde international came on for Leon Barnett in the 39th minute of the Baggies' 3-0 win over Middlesbrough 19 days ago for his Barclays Premier League debut.
He has started three of the last four games due to the absence of Jonas Olsson, Neil Clement (both knee), Barnett, Shelton Martis and Abdoulaye Meite (all hamstring).
But he dropped to the bench at Hull on Saturday with Meite returning to action alongside Ryan Donk at the heart of defence.
"Our squad has been used fully because of injuries and everyone has had a chance to show how well they can play," said Pele.
"I am pleased to be back in the team.
"I hope I can play again and hope I've done enough to play again but it is the manager's decision.
"All I can do is play my best and do as well as I can and maybe be important to the team.
"It's football.
"You cannot play every game.
"You have to keep working and get on with it.
"Of course I want to play but I never stopped working or sulked.
"I told the manager that 'okay it's your decision' but I have worked hard all the time knowing that he may call for me at any time.
"It wasn't a case of leaving or being upset but it was about working hard and doing what I could to get back into the side.
"I am an upbeat player.
"It doesn't mean I'm happy all the time but sometimes you need to try and show that you're being positive.
"I know that I need to work hard in training otherwise the manager won't want to know.
"I have done my best."
The former Southampton defender was handed the captain's armband for Tuesday's 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round exit at Burnley in the abence of the injured Jonathan Greening, and Paul Robinson and Robert Koren among the substitutes.
And he insists his team-mates must put the Turf Moor defeat firmly out of their minds heading into Saturday's crucial league clash with relegation rivals Newcastle (ko 3pm).
"It's a very big game for our battle against relegation," he added.
"We have to forget about the cup game and just make sure we are right for that match.
"We've had some good results at home.
"We have shown in the last few weeks that we can do well at home so we need to keep believing."
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