Albion to follow Blues for Brunt

Winger Chris Brunt today challenged Albion to follow Birmingham's blueprint for Premier League success.

Brunt believes the Baggies should follow Blues' example in the top flight next season once they seal promotion from the Championship.

Roberto Di Matteo's men were at Doncaster this afternoon knowing victory could ensure Albion, Wolves, Villa and Blues are together in the top division next season for the first time since 1984.

And Brunt reckons Blues, who made a major splash in the Premier League this term and effectively secured safety by March, should be the Baggies' inspiration.

"Midlands teams in the Premier League this season have done really well, especially Birmingham," said Brunt.

"If we get there for next season we've got to take a leaf out of their book.

"That's something we've got to aspire to because this season they have had has been phenomenal.

"The couple of times I've seen Birmingham play they have been really solid and organised and they've got a couple of players who on their day can win games.

"I think that's made a lot of difference but their success has been built from the back and I don't think they've conceded a lot of goals all season.

"If you keep the ball out of your own net you've always got a good chance of winning the game through a set-piece or individual flair and I think that's definitely something we've improved on this season.

"The Championship is a different kettle of fish to the Premier League but it's definitely something we have improved on.

"Touch wood we do go up this weekend and it's something we can look to build on next season."

Albion's seemingly certain promotion would ensure a four-pronged West Midlands assault on top-flight football for the first time in the Premier League era.

And Brunt believes the whole Baggies squad is excited at the prospect of playing six West Midlands derbies next season.

He said: "I think it will spur us on to get there. It's less time in hotels if we do it!

"It's great for the local area. All the Villa and Birmingham fans probably want to see us go up because it will give a bit of added interest next season for them."