TONY Mowbray has set Gianni Zuiverloon's performance in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Portsmouth as the right-back's benchmark for the rest of the season.

The Baggies boss believes the Dutch Under-21 international was back to his best in the Fratton Park encounter.

And he has urged him to maintain that form in Albion's six-game run-in - starting at Manchester City on Sunday (ko 3pm).

"He is a young player who has found the differing demands of the Premier League difficult at times yet his obvious talent is there for us all to see," said Mowbray.

"What he needs to do is strive for consistency I would suggest.

"It's not a question of not having talent - it's about reproducing performances every week.

"I think because of the intensity of the Premier League he's found it difficult to maintain the standards we know he can reach.

"At the weekend I thought he was back to his best.

"He needs to maintain that level of performance."

The Albion chief feels the marauding full-back, who represented Holland at the Olympics last summer, will benefit more than most from a rest at the end of the season.

"He hardly had any break and has never been asked to play at this level or intensity before," Mowbray added.

"Ultimately he's a good character and individual and I know it's hurt him when his performance levels haven't been as high as we would want.

"For me his talent warrants a place in our side and we have to strive for him to find consistency.

"I think a break this summer will benefit him.

"It will allow him to re-charge his batteries and re-energise."