Blues a template for Jerome Thomas

Winger Jerome Thomas today claimed Albion can emulate Birmingham's Premier League impact as the sides prepare to meet at the Hawthorns.

The clubs clash in the opening West Midlands derby of the season tomorrow with Thomas adamant the Baggies can replicate the achievements of Blues, who finished ninth last term in their first year after promotion.

Thomas said: "What the club has experienced in the past and the players we've got means we're in a good position to stop being a yo-yo club.

"A lot of the questions asked about our team were about whether we are favourites to go down and would we be happy to be in a relegation battle but stay up.

"But Birmingham proved you don't need to be in a relegation battle. You can come up and establish yourself and put in steady performances week in, week out. They had a great season last year.

"And we said at the start of our season it would not be too much to strive for to not be in a relegation battle, but actually do what Birmingham did and use them as a example."