Shane Duffy is turning the clock back – and giving new colleagues the benefit of his experience.

This time last year, the powerful centre-back was preparing for his home debut as Albion returned from an international break.

He had made an unconvincing debut away to Newcastle before the two-week lay-off.

And he did not look totally at home with his new team-mates in his Amex bow as Brentford won by the same 2-0 margin.

We gave him five out of ten that day and said he needed to develop a rapport with his team-mates.

But any doubts over Albion’s then record-breaking investment were put to one side three days later as he turned in an eight-out-of-ten performance in the important 1-0 win over Huddersfield.

“Is well and truly up and running in his new colours after this highly impressive, no-frills defensive display” was the verdict after that clean sheet against a lively, table-topping Terriers side.

There was no looking back from there and the big Irishman can see the same happening with the latest batch of newcomers.

Mathew Ryan, Davy Propper, Markus Suttner and Pascal Gross could make their second home appearances for the club against West Bromwich Albion today.

None have really produced their best football for the Seagulls as yet.

Duffy revealed: “I’m just trying to say to the new players it takes time – and it took me time. It’s just a matter of adapting and it will happen.

“We have got players who have never played in England. It’s a different world here to what they have been used to.

“You can see slow signs that they are getting more used to it and getting to know each other.

The Argus:

Shane Duffy on his home debut for Albion a year ago this weekend

“I was in that situation as well. I was a bit lucky because I had played in England and moved. I knew most of the players. But they will be all right.”

Duffy has seen promising glimpses from his new colleagues on a day-to-day basis. He can’t wait to see them click on the big stage.

He said: “They are good players – we would not have signed them if they weren’t. They have been thrown in straight away, which is what the manager wants.

“Sometimes it might be hard but you can see in training, the likes of Davy and Pascal, they are real quality players who just need a bit of time.”

Ryan produced a solid display in the 0-0 draw at Watford ahead of his trip to first Japan, then Australia, with the Socceroos.

But then he did not have a huge amount to do that day in a match which has given the Seagulls encouragement for this second batch of fixtures.

Now comes a different test against West Brom.

The Baggies have the smallest share of possession and lowest number of short passes in the Premier League after three rounds.

They rank seventh for long balls, even though they have had so little possession.

The Argus:

Shane Duffy scales the heights at Leicester

Duffy said: “That’s the beauty of the Premier League. You have to adapt. They have got off to a great start this season and that way of playing works for them.

“We know how good we are at home but we don’t really know in the Premier League. We fancy ourselves at home against anybody and West Brom are in our little league. We have got to pick up points.”

Albion fans appeared to understand the gameplan when Manchester City dominated possession in the only previous home league game.

Their support was vocal at Leicester and Watford. Now Albion hope to give them something to really get behind back at the Amex.

Duffy said: “The fans have been great. They are adapting to the Premier League. They have travelled in unbelievable numbers and they were brilliant against City.

“I know they will be frustrated if we are not winning every week. But I think they are happy where we are and slowly the signs are coming.

“We know it will come good with the manager and the squad we have got here.”