Jerome Thomas reckons Birmingham City are the standard-bearers for West Brom

Sep 17 2010 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail

JEROME Thomas believes tomorrow’s derby opponents Blues are the standard bearers for all Premier League newcomers.

The Albion winger hopes to keep his place in Roberto Di Matteo’s first-team for the visit of Alex McLeish’s men at The Hawthorns – the first of 12 derbies involving our clubs this season.

And Thomas, a veteran of several Premier League campaigns involving Charlton and Portsmouth, has been impressed with what he has seen a few miles down the road.

Blues finished ninth last season in their first season back following promotion.

They have followed that up with an unbeaten start this campaign, having brought in Aleksandr Hleb and Jean Beausejour just before the transfer window shut - both of whom could make their debuts at some point at B71.

The ex-Arsenal man said: “When describing Birmingham I think the first word you’d use is ‘organised’.

“They know exactly what they’re doing.

“Again,set-pieces are a strength but it’s definitely a game we can win.

“We’ve all seen Hleb play at Arsenal and Barcelona.