Albion's World Cup star Gonzalo Jara backed

World Cup star Gonzalo Jara's versatility can make him a "huge" hit for Albion in the Premier League, Jerome Thomas insisted today.

The Chile ace, currently on international duty in South Africa, made an immediate impact in his first season at The Hawthorns, helping steer the Baggies straight back to the top flight.

Thomas has been impressed with his ability to play in a variety of positions and is confident he can make a similar impact against England's elite next season.

"He could be a huge player," said Thomas.

"He's such an asset because he can play anywhere. I think next season we'll see him at right-back, as a defensive midfielder either on his own or as a two, and he can even play in centre-back for us, which he did for Chile before we signed him.

"The fact he can play anywhere is obviously an asset for the team and the squad."

Jara came on as a substitute in the South Americans' successful opener against Honduras and is likely to feature again in Monday's match with Switzerland.

And Thomas is delighted to see him back in action after missing the end of last season with a broken metatarsal.

"I saw Gonzo come off the bench," he added. "He looked good and it was hard for him because he's had an injury that ended his season with us. It's good to see him back out there and involved in the World Cup.

"Hopefully as the games go on he'll be more and more involved."

The flying winger revealed he has been keeping a close eye on the progress of Albion's other two stars out in South Africa, New Zealand's Chris Wood and Slovakia's Marek Cech.

"I saw Woodsy come on the other day and obviously Marek was in the same game," he added.

"I'm happy for them because it's exciting times, especially for Woodsy being so young. We are all proud of him.

"I was preparing and thinking about youth cups as an 18-year-old, not World Cups, so it's exciting for him."

And he has also been in touch with two of England's World Cup squad, adding: "I've spoken to Glen Johnson and David James since they have been away on the internet and I wished them all the best."

By Brendan McLoughlin