ROBERTO Di Matteo has hailed the impact of loan star Gabriel Tamas - but insists he will not make a judgment about his Hawthorns future until closer to the end of the season.

The Auxerre centre-half joined Albion in January on loan until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent deal.

And Di Matteo believes he has strengthened the Baggies' backline in the 14 league starts he has made to help the club power eight points clear in second place.

"He's been very good for us," said the Albion chief.

"He's brought a bit of experience, composure and calmness.

"He's been a good loan player in that position for us.

"He played in the 2008 Euros for Romania and I saw him because they were in same group as Italy and France.

"I wasn't particularly looking at him - but I do remember him.

"It's too early to say whether we will sign him.

"We have an option and we'll see towards the end of the season.

"We will sit down with his agent and see what we can do."

Di Matteo also insists the door is not closed to Borja Valero returning to The Hawthorns in the summer.

The Baggies midfielder is currently starring on a season-long loan for his former club Real Mallorca as they battle for a Champions League place in La Liga.

"Borja is doing very well in Spain with Real Mallorca," he added.

"They're in a great position.

"It's a season-long loan so at the end of that we will sit down and have a discussion.

"Spanish football probably suits him a bit better than English football.

"I can see the qualities he has.

"It doesn't surprise me that he's doing so well in Spain because technically he's a fine player.

"I'm not shutting the door on anybody."