Assistant Albion boss Eddie Newton has backed defender Gonzalo Jara to stand tall in the Championship and make light despite his lack of height.

The 5ft 10in Chile international has played the last two matches in his preferred central defensive role and become an instant hit with supporters.

Newton insists the wholehearted stopper’s lack of height has never been an issue for the Baggies coaches.

He said: “It wasn’t a problem. I played with Frank Sinclair. He was about 5ft 9ins tall, played at centre-back and right-back and could out-jump people who were 6ft 1ins plus.

“Paul Parker was the same as were Baresi and Cannavaro – we can go on. If you know how to time the jump and you know what you’re doing, as Jara does, then you will be able to deal with situations, as he does.

“He’s very clever. Sometimes people may get hooked on height, or pace, or something else but people can get away with it.

“You can get away with not being a pacy winger, for instance, like David Beckham. He played on the wing yet never beat someone on the outside, but give him half a yard and he’ll get a cross in.

“Sometimes you just have to look at a player’s qualities and trust that they will deal with all the situations put in front of him.”

Newton has been impressed by Jara behind the scenes since his move from Santiago club Colo Colo.

The Albion No 2 said: “Jara has made the adjustment from one side of the world to the other and done it straight away. It takes longer with some but he’s come over and been excellent.

“He’s been a fantastic acquisition for the club and a total professional. You look at him as soon as the whistle stops in training and you don’t have to say anything to him.

“He’ll be stretching and taking in fluid. He doesn’t really speak the language but he’s trying to communicate on the pitch and telling people what to do already.

“Gonzalo’s not afraid to take responsibility. Technically and tactically he is aware of everything and he has been a fantastic acquisition.”