Chris Brunt believes the signing of Mason Holgate could be pivotal in Albion’s search for promotion.
Holgate, 22, has already played 38 games in the Premier League for parent club Everton and over 70 in senior football.
The youngster has caught the eye of the skipper who has been impressed by his opening two performances against Wigan Athletic and Norwich City.
And Brunt insists Holgate’s quality and experience gives the Baggies a big boost heading into the promotion-chasing run-in.
“Mason was thrown straight in,” he said.
“He has done really well in the two games in which he has played, especially against Norwich on Saturday.
“I thought he was really good with the ball and getting forward.
“You’ve seen in the two games the quality that he brings.
“Even though he’s a defender, it’s the way we’re trying to play this season.
“The league position means we can attack a bit more and he looked very comfortable doing that.”
‘Brunty’ added: “He seems a nice lad.
“He’s a bit younger than me but everyone is a good bit younger than me!
“He’s fitted in well with the group, he’s just got on with it.
“He’s been fortunate enough to play a lot of games at Everton.
“It’s a good signing for the club to make. It was one you might not have thought would be possible due to the amount of Premier League football he has played.
“Obviously he hasn’t played as much at Everton as he would’ve liked, but it’s good that we’ve got him until the end of the season.
“Hopefully he can drive us on and help us achieve what we want to this season.”