Greening: Arsenal's Simpson Can Save West Bromwich Albion's Season

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Arsenal youngster Jay Simpson, turning out on loan for West Bromwich Albion against Aston Villa (PA)

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Jay Simpson can have a real impact at West Bromwich Albion during his loan spell from Arsenal at the Hawthorns, Jonathan Greening believes.

The Albion club captain points to Kieran Richardson and the impression made by the then Manchester United player during his loan spell in the West Midlands in 2005. Richardson played a vital role in Albion's almost unbelievable Premier League survival that season, scoring three goals in addition to his outstanding all-round play, and Greening feels that Simpson can do something similar.

"Kieran came in at the right time and was exceptional for us. He was probably one of the main reasons we stayed up that year.

"If Jay can have an effect like that then great.  He's got a little bit of skill, a lot of pace and hopefully he'll get a goal early doors and will go on and be a good player for us.

"There is a spark and something different about him."

Simpson himself admitted that the pace of his West Brom debut, Saturday's local derby with Aston Villa, surprised him somewhat, but he is relishing the opportunity to prove himself at Premier League level.

"It was a great chance for me to show that I am capable of playing at Premier League level," said Simpson.

"I was disappointed not to get the result but from my point of view it was a good run-out. I think I contributed to the side but all in all we deserved to get at least a draw.

"It's a lot quicker than I am used to but I really enjoyed it. It was the first 90 minutes I've had under my belt for quite a while. There was a great derby atmosphere in the stadium and I was pleased to play."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com