Defender Gianni Zuiverloon today claimed Albion are on course for a Premier League return as he reflected on ‘phase one’ of their promotion campaign, writes Steve Madeley.

The Baggies reached halfway in the Championship season with 45 points thanks to a 3-1 win at Scunthorpe yesterday.

And Zuiverloon, who bagged his second goal of the season at Glanford Park, is confident Roberto Di Matteo’s men are on track to claim promotion back to the top flight.

“Wolves had 90 points at the end of last season when they won the league,” said Zuiverloon. “And at halfway we have 45 points so we are doing very well.

“I think we are on track. Results like yesterday win promotions. If you win these kind of games then promotion is a little bit closer.”

Albion closed the gap on Newcastle to six points yesterday with the Magpies only drawing with Derby. But Zuiverloon says the Baggies, who have a game in hand on Chris Hughton’s side, are not focusing only on catching the pace-setters.

“We’re not worried about Newcastle,” said the Dutch full-back. “We have to worry about ourselves and finishing in the top two. It doesn’t matter if we are champions or second. We just need to get back in the Premier as soon as possible.”

Zuiverloon was delighted to put himself on the scoresheet yesterday after missing several chances in recent matches.

And the former Holland Under-21s star now has his sights on more goals. “It was a good finish,” he said. ” I have had a few chances before that so I was happy.”

Meanwhile, Di Matteo hailed “amazing” captain Jonas Olsson after he climbed off his sick bed to lead Albion to the second Christmas win.

“I thought Jonas Olsson was absolutely outstanding,” said Di Matteo, who rarely picks out players for individual praise.

“He wasn’t feeling too well overnight and was a doubt for the game. But he was absolutely amazing. He was the captain and he performed like a captain and a leader. He was incredible. Yesterday was a professional performance but I also thought we played quite well considering the pitch and the stadium.”

The head coach was back at his desk today attempting to wrap up the signing of Romania international Gabriel Tamas, who has been earmarked as Olsson’s defensive partner for the next month.

The 26-year-old will replace Abdoulaye Meite, who left today to link up with Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations squad.

Reports today linked Albion with a £1.5m move for Crystal Palace starlet Victor Moses.

However, the Baggies have previously made it clear cash signings are unlikely in January. unless they sell first.