Chris Brunt expects more Albion gems

Albion captain Chris Brunt has urged fans not to judge the club's summer recruits on their transfer fees.

Brunt believes the club can benefit from more bargain buys after seeing Peter Odemwingie shine last season.

The Baggies' first two summer deals have been free transfer swoops for defenders Gareth McAuley and Billy Jones, while they are chasing two more Bosman deals for midfielders Zoltan Gera and David Vaughan.

And Brunt reckons Odemwingie – signed for just £2million a year ago from Lokomotiv Moscow – is proof that low-cost deals can work.

The skipper said: "Every club has got a wage structure and a budget to spend on players.

"In terms of the Premier League, we are probably one of the smaller clubs but I'm sure the chairman and Dan Ashworth have been working hard and I'm sure we'll do similar to what we did last season.

"People talked about Peter Odemwingie being a massive gamble and look how well that's paid off.

"If we can pull out another couple like that and build on what we've done this season there is no reason why we can't keep progressing, especially with a manager in charge who knows the league well and has got us well organised and playing good football."

Brunt was another of last season's stars, catching the eye especially during the club's flying start to the season to trigger stories of interest from other clubs.

But, while the summer rumour-mill has so far not included him, the Northern Ireland international is adamant he will take any future speculation in his stride.

He said: "I've got another two years left on my contract and I have learned in football, so far, that you're not doing anything until you're told by the club.

"It's obviously nice to be linked with clubs and it probably shows that I have done well personally this season.

"But for Peter, Youssouf Mulumbu or me to do well personally it takes eight others in the team as well and that has been emphasised more since the new manager came in.

"Peter stands out because he scored goals for us and Youssouf stands out for his performances in midfield and that's only natural.

"But every member of the team will tell you it means nothing unless the other 10 are doing their jobs as well."