Percy Tau has been told he can be good enough for the Premier League – or another top European division.

The Albion forward on loan in Belgium shone for South Africa in the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria in Johannesburg.

Veteran Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr hailed him as a “wonderful player” and said he could be a success in England.

Tau set up a goal for strike partner Lebo Mothiba in a 1-1 draw which sent Nigeria, including Albion defender Leon Balogun, to next summer’s finals.

Tau has impressed at Tony Bloom’s second division club Union St Gilloise this season.

But it remains unclear how Albion could secure a work permit should Chris Hughton want to name him in his Premier League squad.

Rohr, a vastly experienced German coach who led Bordeaux to the UEFA Cup final and was sports director at Eintracht Frankfurt, praised his efforts in Saturday’s crucial group fixture.

He said: “My congratulations to this wonderful player Percy Tau.

“I hope to see him again in a big team in Europe.

“He has all the qualities to be a player in England or somewhere in a big championship and he gave us a lot of problems.”

Cameroon, for whom Gaetan Bong has regained his starting spot at left-back, will take part in the Afcon finals as hosts.

Yves Bissouma’s Mali clinched their place with a win in Gabon on Saturday in the absence of the Albion midfielder, who did not have the necessary paperwork to make the trip.

The African tournament, which previously took place midway through the European season, will be staged over four weeks next summer from June 15 to avoid a clash with major European leagues.