DARREN Moore believes Albion are better equipped than ever to compete in the Barclays Premier League thanks to their centre-half summer signings.
The Baggies legend was the bedrock of the defence when the club ended its 16-year wait for top-flight football with promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship in 2002.
Since then Albion have yo-yoed between the two divisions but Moore has been given cause for optimism by the capture of Spain's Pablo Ibanez and last season's Romanian loan star Gabriel Tamas on permanent deals.
And he is looking forward to seeing the two internationals in action alongside vice-captain Jonas Olsson at the heart of the defence - when he is not playing for League Two Burton Albion.
"They have a good enough squad to not only stay up but get some good results and set a strong benchmark in the Premier League," said Moore.
"They have got the players.
"The players coming into Albion now are players that can step into the team straightaway.
"They're not squad players, they are starters.
"I'm looking forward to seeing Tamas.
"After witnessing him first hand at the end of last season, this is a player that over the campaign has grown in stature and I like to see that on the pitch.
"He distributes the ball well and he defends well.
"The centre-half department is looking strong.
"They've identified three top centre-halves and I'm looking forward to seeing them all playing.
"I've seen Ibanez play on the TV and he looks a class act.
"When you play for a country such as Spain that many times then you have proven you are a good player.
"He will be a good acquisition."
"I always remember under Bryan Robson it being drummed into us that when you get the ball you have to be able to keep hold of it.
"These are quality players that know how to use the ball well, keep hold of it and start building play from the back.
"He will certainly be a player who can do that."
The 36-year-old Birmingham-born defender also has every faith in Roberto Di Matteo's men giving Villa, Blues and Wolves a run for their money in the West Midlands derbies.
He added: "Why can't Albion finish above Wolves or even Villa?
"Birmingham had a fantastic season last year, as did Wolves, but so too did Albion coming up from the Championship.
"Albion are certainly on the same level playing field with Blues and Wolves.
"Even though the squad man for man might be a little weaker I don't see by that much.
"Albion should go into the Premier League with the confidence of knowing what it's all about.
"The supporters will come back next season with high expectations - and that's a good thing."
