Albion boss Sami Hyypia believes Lewis Dunk can continue to exhibit his Premier League potential with the extra responsibility of the captaincy.

Dunk was handed the armband on his return from suspension in Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by Fulham, with regular skipper Gordon Greer ruled out by a swollen knee.

The 23-year-old centre-half responded with another mature performance to enhance his growing reputation.

Hyypia made Dunk captain after explaining his decision to the experienced Bruno, who has recovered from injury to replace Inigo Calderon, Greer’s normal deputy as skipper, at right-back.

Hyypia told The Argus: “Dunky has done well this season and I hope that this will lift him to the next level. He is still a young player but is very capable and I think there is still loads more to come from him.

“He leads by example rather than being the loudest in the dressing room. I think he has the character to step onto the next level. After seeing the way he played I know for sure now not it doesn’t mess his game up.

“There is always the risk that if you put a young player as captain, he will change what he has been doing all season. I was a bit worried about that but he proved that he can perform well with the armband as well. He has all you need to step to the next level.”

A host of Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on Dunk, who signed a new four-year contract in the summer, but he is expected to stay until at least the end of the season to continue his development with regular Championship football.

He is poised to lead Hyypia’s strugglers again at top-of-the-table Derby County on Saturday, with defensive partner Greer, 33, still a probable absentee after playing every minute of every Championship match prior to Fulham’s visit.