West Brom defender Gianni Zuiverloon has told how team-mate Abdoulaye Meite's World Cup aspirations have helped to inspire the centre-half to return to top form.

Zuiverloon revealed Meite admitted to him his hopes of making the Ivory Coast squad for South Africa depended on him forcing his way back into the Baggies first team.

Meite's career at The Hawthorns had looked over as he struggled to maintain form and was linked to a move away in the summer. But he ended his exile from the starting line-up against Preston last month.

In the three games he has featured in since then, Albion have not conceded a goal as they target an immediate return to the Premier League.

Zuiverloon told the Express & Star: "I said after Preston that Abou can be a very important player for us. He's strong and he's quick and has experience. He has great abilities.

"The African Nations Cup and the World Cup is important to him. He wants to play in the World Cup so he knows he needs to play and play well."