Gabriel Tamas signs new Albion deal

Albion defender Gabriel Tamas today signed a new contract tying him to the Baggies until 2015.

The Romania international has signed a three-and-a-half year deal with a further year's option in Albion's favour.

The new agreement represents a one-year extension to the 27-year- old's existing deal and he has been rewarded for a solid start to Premier League life with an improved pay packet.

Boss Roberto Di Matteo said: "I'm delighted Gabi has been offered this new contract. It is richly deserved.

"He was already effectively committed to the club until 2014 but the improved terms are just reward for the progress and contribution he has made here in the last 11 months.

"Gabi is an important figure both on and off the field and has a big role to play in helping the club achieve our goals this season."

Tamas joined the Baggies on loan from Auxerre in January before making a £500,000 permanent switch in January and has made 40 appearances.

Steven Reid, meanwhile, today tipped Graham Dorrans for a major role in Albion's season as the pair prepared to line up together against Newcastle.

Reid believes Dorrans is edging closer to top form after another useful 90-minute run-out in the Carling Cup at Ipswich on Wednesday.

And the duo are set to pair up again in midfield against the Magpies on Sunday with Reid favourite to deputise for the suspended Youssouf Mulumbu.

"Dozza will get back there (top form)," said Reid. "It's a different league and a different challenge for him but we all know about his quality from what he did last season.

"You don't suddenly lose that quality overnight and I have no doubt that over the course of this season he is going to play a massive part.

"Hopefully Wednesday night and Everton at the weekend have shown signs that he is getting back to his best.

"He has never dipped off in training. He has always been top quality.

"He has not had a dip in form for a year or so because last season he was on fire all the time."

"You have these little dips sometimes but I am sure he is going to come through it and play a big part and go on to great things.

"It is just a little blip but his quality will shine through in the end."

Reid also saw winger Somen Tchoyi produce another encouraging display at Portman Road and the former Ireland international believes the Cameroon wideman is getting to grips with life in England.

"He has done really well, even though he has only played a bit-part this season," said Reid.

"In that he has done extremely well, especially at the weekend when he showed his quality.

"He scored at Old Trafford and Leicester and I am sure he will play a part in the rest of the season.

"It won't be my decision to make. It's up to the gaffer.

"But he has shown in the bits he's played that he is a threat and he has three goals just from coming on for bits and pieces, so there's no reason why he can't do that from the start.

"But that is the manager's decision."