Midfielder Chris Brunt has backed Albion new-boy Jay Simpson to make his mark on the Baggies’ battle against survival.

Brunt has been impressed with his first glimpse of on-loan Simpson, who made his debut as a substitute against Arsenal on Saturday.

The 20-year-old has moved to The Hawthorns on loan from Arsenal for the rest of the season.

Brunt said: “He has looked pretty sharp in training in his first few days. He is still pretty young and learning the game but if he produces what he has in training over his first few days he will be a good addition to the squad.

“He is here for the next few months and hopefully he can play his part in getting us up the Premier League table.”

Brunt also admitted the Baggies have only themselves to blame for an unwanted FA Cup third-round replay at Peterborough next Tuesday.

Albion allowed Posh to equalise in the dying moment of Saturday’s third round tie, after Jonas Olsson headed the home side ahead just after the hour mark.

The sides will now meet again at London Road a week tomorrow, for the right to entertain QPR or Burnley in round four.

Brunt added: “We know what it’s going to be like. They are going to have a big crowd supporting them and we’re going to have to cope with the atmosphere.”