Nicky Shorey checks in at Albion

Nicky Shorey began work as an Albion player today as boss Roberto Di Matteo hailed his "solid" new signing.

The former England left-back was meeting his new team-mates after completing his £1m move from Villa yesterday, signing a two-year contract with an extra year's option in the club's favour.

And the 29-year-old could be handed an immediate debut in Saturday's Premier League opener at Chelsea.

Head coach Di Matteo said: "I'm delighted to welcome Nicky to the club. He's an experienced, solid left-back who likes to get forward and get involved.

"I also like the fact he's English and knows what the Premier League is all about. He's a player I've liked for some time.

"I've very much signed Nicky to compete for the left-back position and I have some good options down that flank, as Marek Cech can also play further forward.

"Nicky's arrival will not only increase competition, but also means we will have options should we suffer injuries or suspensions."

Shorey looks set to be installed as the Baggies' first-choice left-back, despite a solid end to last season by Cech.

The Slovakia international replaced the struggling Joe Mattock midway through last season and the former Leicester full-back now appears to face a fight for first-team opportunities in the immediate future.

Albion confirmed the signing of Shorey late yesterday, after the former Reading star passed a medical at the Baggies' training ground during the weekend.

With the players taking yesterday off before beginning their final preparations for Saturday's match, he was due to join in his first training session as an Albion player today.

Shorey is the third new face to join the Baggies squad this summer following centre-back Pablo Ibanez, who moved on a free transfer from Atletico Madrid, and goalkeeper Boaz Myhill, who moved from Hull for £1.5millon.

In addition, Gabriel Tamas and Steven Reid have made permanent moves from Auxerre and Blackburn respectively after they ended last season on loan at the Hawthorns.

Cameroon international winger Somen Tchoyi is expected to be the next man through the door, with his £1.5million switch from Red Bull Salzburg edging closer.