Clement is key for Albion - Burgess

"I played with Clem when he first came to Albion under Gary Megson in 2000-2001," said the former West Brom defender. "He was playing left back then and I was in the middle and although I didn't figure that much that season it was clear what a good player we was.

"He has benefited from playing quite a few games in the Premier League with Albion before and I think it's important they've got someone like him this time.

"He's a good talker and he's an experienced head who will be able to guide Leon Barnett, Carl Hoefkens or whoever else his alongside him at the back."

Burgess believes the presence of a mature mentor is needed to bring the best out of Barnett during an important season for the former Luton youngster.

Barnett was prone to odd lapses of concentration during his first year at Albion, but Burgess believes he has the potential to be a solid top flight defender.

"I think with young players it helps to have someone a lot more experience to talk you through situations, especially defensively," he said. "Leon is a player who will grow in confidence the more he plays alongside an older pro who has been there and done it.

"He's a great athlete and a good defender and I see no reason why he can't shine in the Premier League, but you have to stay switched on because any split second mistake will cost you. In the lower leagues, strikers might only convert four chances in 10, but in the Premier League it's more like nine in 10."

Albion's problematic pursuit of Charlton's Madjid Bougherra and Bolton's Abdoulaye Meite have led to suggestions of right back Hoefkens being moved to the heart of the defence.

Burgess made a similar switch, albeit at a lesser level, during an Albion career which spanned more than 300 games for the Baggies between 1989 and 2001.

"I've only seen him play a few times but he's got the build of a centre-half anyway," he said. "It's not a massive difference. I've done it myself and once you know how to defend you can usually do it at full-back or centre-half.

"Whether he can make that change stepping up into the Premier League we'll have to see, but I'm sure he'll be capable of doing it."

Daryl Burgess is currently running the Total Football Premier Coaching Scheme with former Albion team-mate Richard Sneekes and Walsall old boy Chris Marsh.

The soccer scheme, which offers specialist coaching for five to 14-year-olds, is set to branch out into schools after its successful launch during the summer holidays. For more details on the sessions or to book a place log on to their website or phone 0844 779 4625.