And defender hopes Albion can extend unbeaten derby run
BILLY Jones hopes he can continue his impressive record as a stand-in left-back at Villa Park on Sunday (ko 4pm) – should injury and fitness problems rule out Liam Ridgewell and Goran Popov.
The 25-year-old defender, who admits he is more comfortable at right-back, made his league debut at left-back in the Baggies’ 2-0 victory over Wolves last term - before helping Albion to a 2-1 triumph over Villa six days later.
And the derby-day expert insists he is happy to play in whatever position head coach Steve Clarke selects him.
“I feel at left-back it is a bit awkward at times but I'll never complain about playing for West Brom and in the Premier League wherever it is,” said Jones.
“To be honest, it's a lot more comfortable at right back, receiving and dribbling with the ball.
“If it needs to be left-back to help the gaffer and the team out, I'm willing to do so.
“I don't think playing at left-back could have gone any better from a personal point of view because it was two derby games and two derby wins.
“Hopefully another game at left-back this week will produce another derby win.”
And the former Preston defender maintains his team-mates are more than aware of the importance of this weekend’s fixture.
“We are fired up for every game in the Premier League and we know the importance of this one in particular," he added.
“The fans are desperate to win and we know that as players.
“We see it as another massive game in the Premier League to get another three points and to continue our great start to the season.
“Derbies are great and it's what I looked forward to when I first signed for West Brom, these derby matches.
“We want to win it for the fans and win it for ourselves to continue our good start.
“The fans wanted to finish above Villa and I got that vibe last season.
“As a player, I was happy with that as well.
“It was an achievement to finish as the best team in the Midlands.
“That's our aim again, to finish as high as we can in the league - but for the fans, definitely to finish above Villa.”