Tony Mowbray has set the standard for the rest of the season to
The Albion manager has reserved special praise for the recalled Leon Barnett and his partner in the last two games Martin Albrechtsen with Mowbray highlighting the growing credentials of the summer signing from
"There were never any fears or doubts about
"At times he gets concerned when he's not in the team but as a young central defender he has to accept that there is competition for his position.
"I'd like to think that the performances we've seen in the last two games are a result of being out of the team for a while.
"Then the opportunity comes along and the concentration levels and desire levels are at a maximum.
"We've seen that in the last two games, not only from Leon but Martin too.
"Defensively we've stood up to the test in the last two matches and that's the standard we need to keep and maintain."
The 22-year-old centre-half has played only two full seasons in the Championship with ex-defender Mowbray pleased with the versatility of his young protégé, especially with his aerial prowess.
"That's one of the major strengths of
"One of the reasons he was brought here was to deal with balls in the air and there are other criteria that he needs to work on and improve.
"But I can see improvements in his all-round game.
"The big thing for central defenders is consistency.
"It's something that you strive for but it's very hard, particularly in this division.
"You play against lots of different types of teams and some weeks it's all about concentration, while other weeks it is about aggression.
"Some weeks you have to use your pace and your brain and
"He made a big reputation for himself at Luton but I think the demands here are different to the demands at
"He is adapting to that and doing it very well - he's progressing very quickly."