West Brom boss Tony Pulis believes Rickie Lambert can help take Saido Berahino to the next level. The former Liverpool and Southampton hitman is expected to be handed his Baggies debut against Manchester City on Monday.
He will partner Berahino, who scored 20 goals last season, and has signed to help lift the scoring burden off the 22-year-old, and Pulis thinks the England forward can only help Berahino's progression.
"Last year we relied a lot on Saido's goals," Pulis said. "Rickie has a really good goal-scoring record and we are hoping he will add to what Saido did last year.
"He will give us another threat. Rickie is a senior player and good character as well. I think Saido will learn a lot off him.''
Berahino had been linked with a move from The Hawthorns this summer, but Pulis believes he needs another season in the West Midlands.
"He is a good player and we want to keep him and we want him to stay at the football club," Pulis said. "I believe another year playing regular football at West Bromwich Albion will make him a better player. It will make him a stronger character and better player that is my opinion.
"Saido got injured and missed the European tournament (Euro 2015), that was a massive disappointment for the kid.
"But it has given him a break and a rest so hopefully he will come back nice and fresh.''
Along with Lambert, James Chester and James McClean should make their Albion debuts, but Arsenal loanee Serge Gnabry will miss out as he lacks match fitness.
