Sneekes delighted with successor

Former Albion hero Richard Sneekes is delighted his latest successor has stayed loyal to the club.

But the former playmaker has warned fans that man-of-the-moment Graham Dorrans' career cannot remain plain sailing.

The Dutchman, who was a favourite with Baggies fans during his five years at the Hawthorns, is a firm admirer of the Scotland midfield star.

But Sneekes has warned that the 22-year-old, who penned a new long-term contract last week, could still have his biggest challenge ahead.

The now 41-year-old said: "Graham is growing in stature now and has become a very important part of the side.

"But also, while everybody is getting very excited about him, I'm sure he is well aware he has only played 20 or 30 first team games and he still has a lot to prove in the years to come.

"Sometimes when you break into the team for the first time you get on a roll when everything goes right and it's a great feeling.

"But all of us who have played the game for any length of time know that, no matter what, just around the corner there is a loss of form or an injury and it's how you respond to that which matters.

"I remember when I was a young boy at Volendam, when I was 19, and I had a great start to things.

"It was going so well for the first 20 games or so and then I just had a nightmare day, I couldn't hit a barn door and I remember coming in and lying on the massage table wondering how on earth I was going to turn it around.

"Your confidence can disappear very quickly. Consistency is the thing everyone wants in a player and the important thing for Dorrans is to maintain his form right the way through the season."

Dorrans ended speculation over his immediate future by penning a new three-and-a-half-year deal with a further year's option in the Baggies' favour.

Sneekes believes, despite interest from Premier League clubs, that the former Livingston man has made the right choice to commit his future to Albion.

He said: "Sometimes, at that age, it's better to stay where you are keep improving."