Brunt eyes top-flight stay

Chris Brunt has set his sights on ending West Brom's yo-yo existence between the Premier League and the Championship after signing a new three year contract.

The Northern Ireland international has committed himself to the Baggies until at least the summer of 2013 and the deal also includes a further 12-month option in the club's favour. Brunt joined Albion three years ago from Sheffield Wednesday in a £3million move and has been involved in two promotions and one relegation campaign in his time at The Hawthorns.

"The club is heading in the right direction and this (contract) is a nice bonus ahead of what I hope will be a big season both for the team and on a personal level," he said. "I've won promotion with the club twice now and I want to top that by helping to establish Albion in the Premier League."

He added: "That's the challenge facing the coaching staff and players and, if we all pull together, I believe we can have a successful season.

"The fans have been great to me during the past three years and I'm sure they'll get right behind us next season when we will need them more than ever."

Baggies manager Roberto Di Matteo hinted Brunt could be used in a more central role at some stage this season after playing him in that position in the opening three friendlies.

He said: "Brunty fully deserves his new deal as he is an important player for us both on and off the field.

"He was a pillar of our promotion success last season and he has another important role to play this season as we look to establish ourselves in the Premier League.

"In the friendlies we are trying out a few options by using players in different ways. I think Brunty has shown me he can play more centrally as well as in the wide positions."