Martis keen to keep Baggies place

Martis returned to the Baggies team 12 months after his last appearance

West Brom centre-back Shelton Martis hopes to keep his place in the starting line-up after a solid Premier League debut in the 0-0 draw at West Ham.

Former Hibs defender Martis, 26, has only started three league games in his two seasons at The Hawthorns.

"In training I always try to perform and do my best - it's just waiting for your chance really," he told BBC WM.

"Today I got my chance and hopefully I did enough to prove to the gaffer I can play at this level."

The Dutch Antilles international spent part of this season on loan with Championship side Doncaster, but has impressed Baggies boss Tony Mowbray with his commitment on the training field.

"The boy, because of his attitude and drive, he deserves his chance," said Mowbray.

"Ultimately he has got great potential to be a Premier League footballer. He's got size, he's got strength, he's got the passing ability.

"He just needs to make sure he stays focussed on the job every week."

Martis signed for West Brom from Hibs in the summer of 2007, and nearly marked his top-flight debut with the winning goal, a towering header striking the crossbar.

"I went up to head the ball and I was going 'don't hit the bar', but it did and dropped on the line. Disappointing," he explained.

It was the ex-Darlington defender's first start for the club in almost exactly a year, since the 4-1 home defeat by Leicester City on 15 March 2008, and now he is keen to earn an extended run in the team.

"I hope so, but hopefully we can go and win against Bolton and push on from there really and just gather more points," added Martis.

The Hawthorns clash with Bolton on Saturday is the first of back-to-back home games that the Baggies really need to win if they are to retain their Premier League status, with Stoke next up on 4 April.