JEROME Thomas insists he is not surprised to still see former Charlton Athletic team-mate Dean Kiely on top of his game even as he approaches the age of 40.

The Baggies duo spent two years together at the Addicks and Thomas was instantly impressed by the goalkeeper's professionalism and enthusiasm for the game.

Having been reunited at The Hawthorns this season, he believes Kiely is just as influential on and off the pitch as he ever was.

The winger believes his presence in the dressing room as a player and in his role as goalkeeping coach is invaluable.

And his performance between the sticks in Monday's 2-2 draw with QPR reinforced his belief that the evergreen stopper can still cut the mustard on the pitch - and lessened the impact of losing Scott Carson to a three-match ban.

"Deano is great," said Thomas.

"I don't think you'll find anyone with a bad word to say against him.

"I know him from Charlton and it's good to have him here.

"You can't help but learn from him.

"Chris Powell was the same and they bounced off each other at Charlton.

"They are both still playing and are involved with coaching and you can't help but pick things up.

"He was great at Charlton and is here.

"As soon as you hear that Scott Carson is suspended for three games then you could worry about losing a goalkeeper of that calibre.

"But not with Deano.

"There's nothing to worry about and he can definitely step into those shoes.

"He's a great pro, he never takes anything for granted.

"You have to appreciate the life we've got - our job is our hobby.

"It's the life we live.

"You have to be thankful and grateful to do that and we get paid well to do it.

"He's doing a job he loves."

Thomas sees no reason why Kiely cannot still do a job for the Baggies in the top flight should they bounce straight back to the Barclays Premier League.

"He's got a great chance of still playing in the Premier League at 40," he added.

"You saw some of the saves he made - he does that every day in training.

"There's no complacency.

"Even at 39 he's trying to improve and if we go up he will definitely go up next season.

"He's so positive around the club.

"Everything he's learned from the game he's now giving to Scotty.

"Everything he's learned he's putting back into Scotty's game.

"Scott's become like his protégé and he can only improve."