Simon Cox would welcome the competition for places that Shane Long will bring if he seals a £7million switch to West Brom.
The striker could be forgiven for being against boss Roy Hodgson's pursuit of his Republic of Ireland international team-mate, as it would make it harder for him to be part of the first-team plans for this weekend's visit of Manchester United.
However, Cox, who also knows Long from his Reading days, described him as a 'top, top boy' and is looking forward to working with him at the Hawthorns.
He told Sky Sports News. "I know him from Reading when he came in with Kevin (Doyle) and Stephen Hunt.
"I think, for me as a player, he would be a good addition to the squad and hopefully he comes in and produces exactly what he did last year.
"Competition is good and healthy, and it makes players be at the top of their game day in, day out, week in and week out.
"I'm quite happy to fight for my place, and some people might be fighting for places on the bench.
"If I'm one of those players, then great, it will bring the best out in me."