Albion defender Pablo Ibanez hopes to leave two old friends feeling miserable when he lines up for the Baggies at Everton.

Ibanez will go head-to-head tomorrow with former Atletico Madrid defensive partner Johnny Heitinga and former Spain under-21s team mate Mikel Arteta when Roberto Di Matteo’s side take on the Toffees.

And the former Spain international, who is enjoying his first run in the Baggies team in the absence of the injured Jonas Olsson, is looking forward to renewing acquaintances.

Ibanez said: “Johnny and I played together at Atletico Madrid. Sometimes he was my partner at centre-half and sometimes he was at right-back. He is a good player.

“We haven’t spoken since he left Atletico and it will be good to see him on Saturday. I know Arteta. He is a great player. I don’t speak with him but I played with him at under-21s level for Spain.

“He was unlucky with Real Sociedad in Spain and has shown his class at Everton.

“He will be a big threat to us on Saturday.”

Ibanez was forced to be patient as he waited for a regular place in the team following his free-transfer move from Atletico in the summer.

But an Achilles problem for Olsson allowed the Spaniard to slot in alongside his room-mate and fellow Spanish-speaker Gabriel Tamas.

Ibanez said: “I was just happy to be here at the start of the season. Jonas and Gabby were playing very well.

“We have a 25-man squad and every player that trains strongly has the chance to play in the league or Carling Cup.

“I try to do my best in training and all the players speak to the gaffer every day.

“Every player wants to play and I understand the coach’s point of view, because he wants to do what is best for the club.

“Jonas was having a fantastic season and it was unfortunate he got injured. I am upset, like all the players, about Jonas.

“I’m trying to make the most of my opportunity, because I want to help the team keep winning.

“Gabby and Gonzalo Jara have helped me most since I’ve been at the club because they both speak Spanish.

“It has made things a lot easier for me. Gabby and I have a good understanding off the pitch and that helps on it.

“Being room-mates on away games also helps. Gabby is helping me learn English and knows so many languages he talks with every player.

“The players in the Premier League are more aggressive and strong than in the Spanish league, where the players are more technical.

“It is different here and the refereeing is different.In Spain the game is stop-start.

“I like the football in England and I’m very happy in the Premier League.”