Kyle Bartley backed to grow into West Brom leader

Having scored 11 goals in their last two league games, focus has understandably been on Albion’s firepower up front with new faces Dwight Gayle and Harvey Barnes catching the eye.

Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, another summer signing, put in a man-of-the-match performance against Norwich too.

Following a shaky start for Albion’s backline, Bartley’s arrival has not received the same attention.

But Moore is confident the £4m signing from Swansea will soon start to have just as big an impact as his fellow new faces.

“Kyle’s getting fitter and stronger, growing in confidence and has a tremendous presence,” he said.

“He’s got wonderful leadership qualities as well. As the games go by he’ll get better.”

Moore targeted Championship experience in the summer. Gayle scored 23 goals in the second tier two seasons ago, Sam Johnstone kept 22 clean sheets in this division last season and Barnes impressed on loan at Barnsley last term.

Bartley also enjoyed a stellar season in the second tier two years ago when he was on loan at Leeds United, and the 27-year-old believes he is starting to get up to speed.

“It was always going to take me a bit of time to find my feet,” he said, before Saturday’s 7-1 win over QPR.

“I didn’t have a full pre-season but I’m starting to feel that I’m reaching full fitness and I can show my true abilities.”

After losing the experience of Gareth McAuley and Jonny Evans in the summer, Moore signed Bartley and 20-year-old Manchester City defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

Considering Adarabioyo’s inexperience in senior football, Moore wants Bartley to be his general at the back.

And the 27-year-old had to be bandaged up during Saturday’s 7-1 win over QPR after receiving a cut on his head.

But Moore, who was a warrior at the back himself, expects the defender to be available against Middlesbrough on Friday.

“He might need some stitching, but apart from that he’s fine,” he said.