Albion winger Jerome Thomas is praying Wolves and Birmingham stay in the Premier League so he can taste regular derby football next season.

The Baggies wideman knows promotion to the Premier League is the top priority for Roberto Di Matteo’s side but he also has half an eye on their top-flight neighbours after getting wrapped up in West Midlands football.

Thomas spent yesterday in the community, meeting youngsters from Pensnett High School as part of the club’s Communicating for Success programme with BT and the Football Foundation.

And he admitted he had been surprised by the sheer scale of the Baggies during his first four months in the region.

“I didn’t realise their stature to be honest,” he said. “And I didn’t take into account how many teams there are in such close proximity.

“It would be nice if we could go up and Wolves and Birmingham could stay up because it would be good for the area.

“In terms of derby matches, it would be great to have so many of those games. It gives things more of a competitive edge. I am settling in well.

“I am in Birmingham city centre so everything I need is near me. There are restaurants, a cinema and Tesco Express is there so I’m good.

“I am up here on my own but my family come up every couple of weeks and it’s fine.

“My brother will come up with his partner and I get to see my nieces and nephews and they get to see the games, which is nice.”