MICHAEL Appleton admits Albion will guard against 'burning-out' star man Graham Dorrans.
The Hawthorns first-team coach has described the 22-year-old central midfielder as 'unique' in his eyes, insisting he is destined for big things.
And 12-goal top scorer Dorrans has taken the Coca-Cola Championship by storm this term - starting 26 of the Baggies' 29 league games.
"He's right up there," said Appleton.
"Potentially Dozza can be as good as he wants to be.
"There are not an awful lot of flaws in his game.
"The key with Dozza is maintaining it.
"From our point of view we know we've got a fantastic player in the middle of the park.
"What we don't want to do is ask him to play and play, and play, and play, and burn the lad out.
"When the lad is playing really well you'll see the type of energy he's got.
"He's one of those lads that come in and does his work, goes home, and is a quiet lad.
"But potentially we've got a player on our hands that can play at the highest level - and I mean the highest level.
"He enjoys playing and enjoys coming in and training as well.
"The top, top players all love playing.
"They love playing in games and just want to come in and train.
"You put a ball at their feet and they come alive.
"Other players might be interested in what goes on off the pitch and all that goes with it.
"But the top, top players just want to play football, whether it's in training or matches."
The Scotland international has three ex-midfielders passing on advice to him in boss Roberto Di Matteo, assistant head coach Eddie Newton and Appleton.
But former Manchester United player Appleton believes Dorrans already possesses many of the attributes needed to make a top-class player.
Although, he is taking credit for switching the one-time Livingston winger to the centre of the park in Albion reserves' encounters last term.
He quipped: "I have a little joke with him that I'm going to take credit for that by playing him in central midfield for the reserves all last season!
"When he goes on to big things, whether it be for West Brom or elsewhere, I'll take credit for that.
"I remember him coming in as a wide player from Livingston and playing in Scotland's youth side.
"You could tell he was going to be a central midfield player and it was only a matter of when the transition was going to be made."
And on the £100,000 signing, Appleton added: "I think he has got natural ability.
"Whether you're an attacker or defender as a coach you do tend to spend a little more time talking to those players in your position just because it comes naturally to you and you know more about it.
"Dozza's lucky from that point of view that we've all played midfield and all have a bit of know-how about the position.
"I think for Dozza, he's just a talent.
"He's got a little bit of everything.
"He's obviously a good runner with the ball.
"He's got great feet left and right when passing the ball.
"Some people might say 'does he put his foot in enough?'
"I believe if we needed to play him in the holding midfield role we'd be able to do it because he has natural ability.
"He's not going to be able to do that as well as Youssouf but, if asked to do it, he'd be able to because he's got natural ability.
"Comparison-wise I think he's a little bit unique.
"Everyone seems to be watching him at the minute and it's up to us to keep hold of him."
