Defender George Campbell says Albion must use the "energy" from Saturday’s sold-out away following to their advantage when they take on Portsmouth.
The Baggies travel to Fratton Park looking to build on their first point under head coach, Eric Ramsay, which was claimed thanks to Chris Mepham’s 95th-minute equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Derby County.
Having stopped the run of consecutive away league defeats at Pride Park last time out, Albion now journey to the south coast with a 2,188-strong contingent behind them - something which USMNT international Campbell insists his team-mates will need again this weekend.
He said: “It was a much-needed goal from Meps (Chris Mepham) individually and, as a collective, we really needed that to give us confidence to get results away from home.
“That’s something we’re going to need for the last 17 games of the season.
“The thoughts during this period have been focused on being a more defensive team.
“Not conceding, stopping the lines being broken from passes or balls in-behind, and staying tight as a group.
“We need to build on that and at Derby, we did really well; maybe a mistake or two, but it’s a performance we can move forwards from.”
Last Friday was George’s first start under Albion’s recently-appointed boss and the 27th of his maiden campaign in English football across all competitions.
And while the 24-year-old was delighted to be back in the XI against the Rams, the centre-back’s focus is fixed on adding as many of the 51 available points to his team’s tally before the end of the season.
The club’s supporters will play a huge role in helping the Baggies obtain more wins, and Campbell says the squad are keen to reward their “love” and loyalty with performances which can improve their position in the Sky Bet Championship table.
“Of course, it was great to be back in from the start last time out,” George continued.
“But it doesn’t matter who comes in - the focus, in the moment we’re in now, is that we need the whole collective to be ready.
“We all need to be ready to play 90, or however minutes we’re asked to, when called upon but individually it’s good to be back in the team starting.
“It’s about starting a fresh slate under him (Eric Ramsay), from when he came in to the next 17 games, there’s 51 points to play for.
“That’s a lot of points that can be added to the board and we need to try and get as many as we can.
“At Derby, it was loud and we felt the love and the energy from them, and we’re going to continue needing it.
“They’re our 12th man on the pitch and we’re going to need everyone in the dressing room, on the pitch, in the stands, and we need that boost to push us over the line this season.”
