West Brom boss Alan Irvine says the experience of Georgios Samaras will be crucial for the Baggies this season after the Greece international penned a two-year deal at the Hawthorns.
Samaras has been on the look out for a new club after leaving Celtic at the end of last season and Albion have beaten off competition from the likes of Malaga and Southampton to sign the striker.
Samaras has played Champions League football during his six-year spell with Celtic and Irvine believes that experience will be crucial as the Baggies look to progress this season.
“We’ve signed a player with vast experience and I’m delighted to welcome Sami to the club,” Irvine said.
“He has played a lot of football at the highest levels – Champions League, European Championships and World Cups – and the feedback we’ve got on him, from people like Neil Lennon, states he thrives on the big occasion.
“He will certainly play in plenty of those in the Barclays Premier League.
“Georgios has played in big games for a Celtic team that have often had a lot of the ball and have had to work hard to break the opposition down.”
Despite arriving on a free transfer on Friday, Samaras will not play in Saturday’s clash against Southampton at St Mary’s.
Albion, having drawn their opener 2-2 against Sunderland, are priced at 4.46 to pick up three points away from home, while Saints are hot favourites at 1.84 with the draw on offer at 3.31.
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