Torbjorn Heggem reveals West Brom surprise as summer signing continues to impress

The 26-year-old defender was an unknown quantity when he arrived at the club for £500,000 from Swedish top flight side Brommapojkarna in the summer.

Just two years before his big move to English football, the Norwegian the defender was plying his trade in the Norwegian second division.

Now his impressive displays throughout his debut campaign at The Hawthorns have endeared him to the supporters, with the big centre back becoming a firm fans favourite.

He became one of the first names on the team sheet under Carlos Corberan, and that has remained the same under Tony Mowbray, who last week heaped praise on the defender's qualities.

Heggem is the only Albion player to start every game so far this season - and the defender, whose form has earned him international honours for Norway, has admitted that he didn't expect it to work out this way.

He said: "I think it is hard work every time, no secrets, but yeah, to be hungry. I want to play every match and stay fit and that is the secret.

"I am enjoying it of course. Since I came here I have played almost everything, more than I expected.

"I am enjoying my football, especially when we are doing good."

Heggem has earned plaudits this season for his versatility, starting the campaign as a left back, despite his preferred position being in the middle.

He impressed during his stint on the left side, and was only moved centrally Albion were hit with injuries at the back earlier in the season.

The defender has remained a constant in there alongside Kyle Bartley, as well as Mason Holgate, who has played in the Albion stand in skipper's absence.

In Tuesday's draw at automatic promotion chasing Burnley, Heggem was named on the left of a back three that included Holgate and midfielder Ousmane Diakite.

Heggem added: "I feel really good and I guess the top teams, we have not got beaten and that is a really good thing for us to take into the future.

"Ouse came in and did a really good job, he is not used to playing as a defender and he did a really good job, and Mase I have played a lot with.

"I played in Sweden a lot in a back five, and Mase it is also maybe his best role. We looked really good and it of course a good point."