West Brom boss Tony Mowbray insists nothing can be read into the debut of record signing Borja Valero.
Mowbray backing record buy
West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Mowbray insists nothing can be read into the debut of the club's record signing Borja Valero.
The Spaniard made his debut on Tuesday's embarrassing Carling Cup defeat at Hartelpool, just hours after he received international clearance.
But Mowbray insists that Valero would have benefited from the match, despite the dismal result.
"It was an interesting game for him. It would have got him up to speed with the English game very, very quickly," said Mowbray.
Heavy challenges
"He took a few, as all our players did, heavy challenges - but there is nothing in the rules that says you are not allowed to tackle and be physical, so good luck to Hartlepool.
"It will be a good learning curve for him very quickly in his career.
"He played a very, very technical game in Spain. I don't think there's as much physicality as he might have found last night, and he probably had a bit more protection in Spain.
"But there you go, that's the English game."
The Baggies chief is backing Valero to make a big impact for the club.
"He will be fine for us. He has got a lovely range of passing, he has got nice soft feet to pass the ball," he said.
"That's what our team is about - not necessarily last night, but when we put the team on the pitch we trust and think he can do the job week in, week out, he will flourish, I am sure."
