Silvestre is getting back to his best - Lescott
Albion defender Joleon Lescott believes winger Silvestre Varela is finally starting to fulfil his potential ahead of the Baggies' Boxing Day clash with champions Manchester City.
Varela has started the last two games and given impressive displays after injury and a lack of sharpness meant he had to wait for his Premier League debut.
Lescott said: "Silv is an international player for Portugal, a great footballing nation to be a part of, and I played against him when he was at Porto.
"I know the qualities he's got, he's a very intelligent footballer and a good guy to have around.
"Obviously he was frustrated with the way things started for him here but I think now we're seeing his full potential."
The Baggies face Lescott's former club on Friday before travelling to Stoke on Sunday and West Ham on New Year's Day.
And Lescott believes they are ready for the hectic schedule and relishing the chance to banish thoughts of their 3-2 defeat at QPR, in which they threw away a 2-0 lead.
He said: "You just have to recover right and prepare yourself.
"Last week and this week, it's equally important to prepare yourself ready for that period.
"The manager's done that, I tend to do that myself as well, so hopefully there'll be no injuries.
"QPR was disappointing, going two goals up you never tend to think you're going to lose the game.
"It's disappointing not to come away with all three points."
