Steve Clarke has highlighted Saturday’s opponents Fulham as the perfect team that Albion should be looking to emulate.

The Cottagers are an established Premier League club with European aspirations having reached the Europa League Final in 2010 under former Baggies boss Roy Hodgson.

Clarke is well aware of the fine work that has been achieved at the west London club in recent years having worked and played for neighbours Chelsea.

He believes that Albion would do no harm trying to replicate what they have achieved but understands it will be harder given their greater financial clout.

“They have acquitted themselves really well in the Premier League,” he said.

“They are an established Premier League club and that’s what we’re aiming for here.

“They are probably run slightly different to the way the chairman runs things here. But they are a good benchmark.

“They’re a team that has come through the leagues, they spend money without over-spending, and they’ve managed to put together a really good squad of players that is competitive in the Premier League.”

Fulham’s season got off to a flying start as they beat Norwich 5-0 on the opening day of the season.

Since then they have lost to Manchester United and West Ham in the league and also crashed out of the Capital One Cup to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.

In contrast, Albion are unbeaten in four games and head-coach Clarke is thriving off his new role in charge.