Tamas' dream come true with debut

Albion new-boy Gabriel Tamas has hailed his move to England as a "dream come true" as the defender gears up for his Baggies debut.

The Romania international set his sights on a long-term stay in English football, as the 26-year-old prepared for his Championship bow against Nottingham Forest at the Hawthorns tonight.

He said: "I'm glad to be here. It's a dream come true for me, because I have always wanted to play in England and now I am here at West Bromwich Albion.

"England invented football and the Championship is a very good league. I have always wanted to play here.

"I want a chance to play in the English Championship, because I want to achieve something in football."

Tamas has signed initially on loan from French outfit Auxerre but Albion have an option to make the deal permanent in the summer.

The former Celta Vigo, Galatasaray and Spartak Moscow centre-back is keen for a prolonged stay in England.

He said: "I am in England to play for a lot of years if I can. I have moved a lot but that is football. If you get an opportunity in a better championship then you try it.

"But the most difficult league for me is the Championship in England."