Baggies' Thomas grateful to Howe

Thomas was sent off on his return to Arsenal in the Carling Cup last month

West Brom winger Jerome Thomas says he will always be grateful for the lessons he learned from former Hawthorns player and manager Don Howe.

Thomas began his career under the guidance of Howe as part of the Arsenal youth set-up 10 years ago.

"I wouldn't trade anything for the experience and teaching I got there," the left-sided player, 26, told BBC WM.

"I worked with the greatest coach in Don Howe, who obviously taught me a lot about the game."

Thomas' Arsenal side were FA Youth Cup winners, with many of the players going on to have successful professional careers.

People expect you to be bitter when you don't make it there - it's certainly not the case Jerome Thomas on his Arsenal beginnings

"The education you got at Arsenal - you can't put a price on it.

"The players that have gone on - Pennant in Spain, Aliadiere at Middlesbrough, Sidwell at Villa, Rohan Ricketts, Justin Hoyte. They've really good careers."

Thomas failed to make a first-team appearance for the Gunners, but established himself at Charlton before an injury-wrecked season at Portsmouth and his summer move to the Baggies.

"I think a lot of people expect you to be bitter when you don't make it there, but it's certainly not the case," insisted the former England under-21 international.

Thomas has rejuvenated his career after a summer trial at the Hawthorns, netting three goals in the Championship, including a brace in the 3-1 home win over Reading.