Albion defender Gabriel Tamas has saluted the team’s reshuffled back four after producing his best performance so far in Baggies colours.

The Romania international gave a towering display at the heart of defence to help the Baggies chalk up the clean sheet that was the foundation for their third straight win.

He said: “It was another big win and three very big points. You could see from the game that the pitch was really bad and Plymouth are a very difficult team who play very well at home.

“But we passed this important test and we won. We are very happy because we are still in second place. Every team around the world when they play a game they want to win it.

“No matter where we go we want to win the game and the points. As a defender I am happy because all defenders are happy when they don’t concede a goal. We didn’t concede a goal and we won 1-0 so that is very good for the defenders.

“That’s the main thing. If you don’t get a goal against you the defence has played very well. It doesn’t matter if you score or don’t score as a defender. The important thing is for everyone to do his job on the field.

“As a forward you want to score because that is your job, and as a defender you want to not concede a goal.”

Tamas has recovered from a nightmare debut against Nottingham Forest to help the Baggies compile a six-match unbeaten run and reclaim second place.

His own form has also improved with each game and the on-loan Auxerre man is enjoying his time at the Hawthorns.

He said: “I am happy because we are in second place and we hope to finish in second or first place. There are many games to play, but if we play like we did on Saturday no-one can beat us.

“England is good. The schedule a little bit heavy but it’s good and I don’t feel tired.”

Tamas had sympathy with team mate Jerome Thomas, who was sent off in stoppage time for a tackle on Plymouth’s David McNamee.

The defender said: “I think he was unlucky, because I saw from the field he didn’t really touch him. Maybe he caught him a little bit, but it wasn’t a red card.

“But the referee is the boss on the field and if he says something you have to agree with him.”

Tamas is optimistic about Albion’s promotion hopes as they approach the final third of the season.

He said: “It’s too early to speak now because the last 18 games are very important, but we hope to do our best. We want to play like this and try to win all of them.”