Gus Poyet was happy with Albion's 0-0 draw at Birmingham City today.

He felt his side were rock solid and showed ambition to win the game late on when they sent on debut striker Billy Paynter.

Poyet saw his men keep Birmingham very quiet and said: "I think we were very good.

"I told you last Monday, even losing (to West Ham), that I had the feeling that we were back in terms of the understanding of the football we need to play.

"When, how, which areas, using the strength of the players on the pitch, realise when to play and when to put it in the box.

"I think we proved it today.

"I'm not saying it was pretty, I'm not saying there were lots of chances.

"But for a team like us, playing the way we play, and coming to Birmingham and getting the result we got, I think it's good."

Birmingham came into the game chasing a seventh successive win but Poyet said: "They did not have one shot on target.

"It just shows the way we are trying to set up a team – from the back.

"Then we play. I don't think anybody can say we held back for a 0-0.

"We finished the game with three strikers and Nooney (winger Craig Noone) on the pitch."