West Brom hero Brendon Batson feels they can qualify for Europe this season.

The 63-year-old played for the Baggies in all three of their Uefa Cup campaigns in the late 1970s and early 80s.

“It's early days yet but from what I've seen, things are looking up," said Batson to the Express & Star. “We've got a fantastic team spirit, we've got a good spine in the team.

“Take Gareth McAuley, who is a great example of somebody who has done the very best with his talent.

"Nobody is going to enjoy coming to The Hawthorns, that's for sure.

“I don't want to be too premature, but there's no reason why we can't have a tilt at Europe. All the signs are there that we're going to have a good season."