Cape Town - West Bromwich Albion boss Alan Irvine has praised new signing Joleon Lescott for making a big impact since his arrival at the Hawthorns.
Lescott joined the Baggies in the off-season on a free transfer, ending what had become a frustrating five-year stint at Manchester City.
The former England international had to wait to make his debut for his new club due to injury, with the 32-year-old eventually getting on the pitch last weekend as he helped West Brom keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Tottenham.
Speaking after Sunday's 4-0 hammering of Burnley, Irvine had only good things to say of the former Everton man.
"His positional sense is very, very good and, as we know, if centre-backs stand in the right positions, they cut out a lot of the danger before it even comes," Irvine told talkSPORT.
"He has come in and has been a great influence on people around him. He has been a very, very important player to us, but he has been part of a great team performance in both the Tottenham and Burnley games."
The Baggies are currently sitting in 10th spot in the Premier League standings, having claimed eight points from their opening six fixtures.