GIANNI Zuiverloon is relishing the battle between new signings Andy Slory and Frank Nouble for suspended Jerome Thomas' place in the Albion team.
West Ham loan ranger Nouble filled the void in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Scunthorpe, before being replaced by Slory in the 74th minute.
The Dutch winger has now made three substitute appearances since joining the Baggies on deadline day from Feyenoord last month - and is building his fitness following his winter break in Holland.
"Me and Andy have the same agent and I know him," said Zuiverloon.
"He's got pace, he's got good technique, a hard shot as well and is one of the players who can use space behind defenders.
"I'm not surprised we got him.
"He is a player wanting to go forward and this is a good move for the club.
"If Andy goes back to the Premier League with us there is no reason why he cannot get back into the Dutch side.
"He can replace Jerome Thomas, as can Frank Nouble, who was really good on Tuesday.
"It's a good challenge for Andy and Frank - both of them can fill the role."
Zuiverloon came off the bench to seal all three points against The Iron by making it 2-0 in the 86th minute thanks to his third goal this term - and second against United.
And he faces his own fight for a place in the team, after being restricted to substitute appearances in the three of the last four games.
"I am a sportsman and want to play every game but if the gaffer wants to change the team to make everyone sharper then he can do that," he added.
"I feel sharper now and I feel better for it now.
"If that makes the team better then so be it.
"We didn't play so many games last season.
"People get tired and that's why we need to make changes to keep everyone sharp.
"It was my second goal versus Scunthorpe this season and it was a great ball from Coxy.
"I played the ball to Roman, he played it to Coxy and I scored."
The result sent the Baggies back to the top of the table and they now turn their attentions to Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round trip to Reading (ko 3pm).
"We want to be top at the end of the road," said Zuiverloon.
"We have to keep this up.
"We have talked about it - of course.
"Our goal is to get promoted straight away and not go through the play-offs. That's our plan.
"We are playing well, winning games and must carry on.
"The FA Cup is one of the biggest cups in the world.
"I would love to play in the final at Wembley.
"There are some big clubs out, so why not?
"We play Reading on Saturday which is a big opportunity for us.
"Anything is possible.
"We will approach it like a normal league game.
"Let's just hope there are no replays."
