West Brom assistant head coach Eddie Newton believes Gonzalo Jara will continue to overcome his lack of height to shine in the centre of defence.

The Chile international, 24, has operated at full-back and in midfield before being switched to the heart of the back four for the 3-1 win over Reading, and was named man of the match in the same role in the defeat to Swansea.

Newton insists Jara's 5ft 10in stature is no barrier to continued success against some of the Championship's powerful frontmen.

He told the club website: "Frank Sinclair was about 5ft 9in but played centre-back and full-back and could outjump guys who were 6ft 1in plus.

"Paul Parker was the same, and what about (Ricardo) Carvalho, (Franco) Baresi and (Fabio) Cannavaro? If you know how to time your jump, you will be able to deal with it - as Gonzalo does.

"People may get hooked on height, pace or something else, but players can get away with not having height or pace. David Beckham played on the wing and never got past anyone with pace, but give him half a yard and he'd get a cross in."