West Brom’s Brunt praises versatile Jara

West Brom forward Chris Brunt has praised the versatility of Chilean star Gonzalo Jara.

The 24-year old Chile international has adapted quickly to life in England’s Championship since crossing from Colo-Colo in August this year and Brunt believes he has already been of great value to the Baggies.

“Gonzalo looks like an absolute steal to be honest and credit to whoever scouted him and signed him for the football club,” said the Northern Ireland international told the Birmingham Mail.

“He’s a great signing and I think we’ve done very well to get him.

“After playing in the Premier League last season you see players week in, week out and I think he’d be very comfortable in any Premier League team.

“Hopefully he can help us, by playing wherever, to get us back into the Premier League this season because he’s definitely got the qualities to play there himself. It’s not very often you get players like that.

“Appy (first-team coach Michael Appleton) described him as a Phil Neville-type player, who can play anywhere along the back and midfield.

“Those sort of players don’t come along very often. We don’t really have anyone else like that in the squad.

“It’s a huge bonus because a lot of clubs have to go out and get emergency loan players but when you’ve got someone like Gonzalo, who can slot into four different positions comfortably, it saves you using up loans.”

Jara made his debut for West Brom as a left-back before switching to the right side of midfield as well as right-back.

He also played in central midfield and as a centre-half which is a great testament to his versatility.