West Brom summer signing Billy Jones has targeted the right-back spot as he set his sights on emulating Shropshire schoolboy rival Joe Hart.

The Albion new-boy filled a host of positions during four years with Preston but the former Crewe man is looking for a chance at right-back with his new club.

“My best position is right-back,” he said. “But I’m willing to fill in anywhere just to be playing in the Premier League.”

“I’ve played regularly at left-back for Preston last season. I’ve had stints in central midfield and stints filling in at centre-back and right-back.

“But it’s not nice to be classed as a utility player. I was happy when I met the gaffer and he said he sees me as a right-back.

“But he knows that I’m willing to play anywhere as long as I’m out there.”

Jones was a schoolboy opponent of England No.1 Hart with both men brought up in Shrewsbury.

And he hopes to follow in the Manchester City man’s footsteps by climbing from lower divisions to become an established top-flight performer.

“He’s from the same town and I played against him in school games,” said Jones.

“It’s amazing how well he’s done. He got signed from a League Two team at the time as an unknown and is now England’s No 1.

“So, from a personal point of view, I’d like to try and get some game time as soon as possible in this league and prove myself at this level.

“When a player first gets their move to the Premier League they first and foremost want to prove themselves at that level.”