Albion star Gonzalo Jara has spoken of his “dream summer” ahead as he prepares to play in the World Cup and the Premier League.

The Chile international is with his national team preparing for the World Cup in South Africa, after recovering from the foot injury that prematurely ended his debut Hawthorns season.

Jara is also looking beyond the summer tournament and relishing the chance to turn out for the Baggies in the English top flight.

The 24-year-old became an instant hit with the Hawthorns faithful after his £1.4million move from Colo Colo last summer and his eventful season also saw him help his nation qualify for the World Cup from a competitive South American qualifying league.

He said: “The Premier League was the challenge when I came here and now I want to play in the World Cup and after that my dream is to play in the Premier League with the club so I am very excited about that.

“I think we were the best team in the Championship. We couldn’t win the title, but me and my team-mates now want to do a very good job in the Premier League.

“I think we are ready for that.”

Jara’s season ended in February after breaking a metatarsal in Albion’s FA Cup clash with Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

But, having returned home to Chile to begin his rehabilitation, he was back in England to see the Baggies clinch promotion to the Premier League with a win at Doncaster.

Now the player has paid tribute to the Baggies players for completing the job.

He said. “My team-mates did a very good job, but more than that, I really appreciate all the effort that the team put into the challenge and what we achieved now and I think that will be a key to the new season.

“I was happy watching the game at Doncaster and then the dressing room was amazing with all my mates.”