Fans’ favourite Gonzalo Jara has revealed Albion have become big news in his native Chile thanks to his successful move to the Hawthorns.

Jara told of how football fans across Chile are following the fortunes of the Baggies this season to keep tabs on one of their countrymen in Europe.

The 24-year-old has become a popular figure with Albion fans since his £1.4million move from Santiago-based Colo Colo and the 24-year-old has already starred in defence and midfield.

He said: “There is a lot of interest back in Chile in Chilean players who go abroad. The people back in Chile really love to follow the progress we’re taking and now, more than ever, there is a big interest back home due to the fact Chile have qualified for the World Cup.

“People are interested more than ever, especially in the players who are playing abroad.”

Jara has helped Chile seal their place in next summer’s World Cup finals since arriving at the Hawthorns. Now the international is excited by the prospect of lining up in South Africa next summer.

He said: “We are very satisfied with the achievement because we have some very strong countries in the South American qualifying group. There is Brazil and Argentina, who normally take their place in the World Cup, and we’re also very satisfied with our style of football and the way we played to qualify.

“We have a very young team, some of whom are playing in Europe and getting good experience, and we’re looking forward to the tournament next year.”

Jara is also looking to add more Albion goals to his CV after moving from his favoured defensive role to become a hit for the Baggies as a holding midfielder.

The dynamo opened his goalscoring account with a spectacular long-range strike in the 2-1 win at Leicester and believes he can add to his tally, although his priorities lie at the opposite end of the field.

He said: “It made me feel very happy and pleased to get my first goal for the club. It was also very pleased that it was an important goal. It was a very difficult away game and it could be a goal that has even more value at the end of the season. I was very proud and pleased.

“I see my main responsibility to the team being defending and covering but there is always a chance that I may get a goal, perhaps from a corner or a set-piece.

“It was really nice to score a goal from open play but as long as the results are good and I am doing my job then any goals I score are a bonus.”