West Brom boss Slaven Bilic believes that his players will use the pain of their play-off heartbreak last season to ensure they go one better this time around.

Albion, then managed by Jimmy Shan, came up short in the race for automatic promotion and ended up losing on penalties to local rivals Aston Villa in the play-off semi-final.

As you would expect, that was a tough one for everyone connected to the club to take, but the Baggies have responded well this season and currently have a six-point lead over Fulham with nine games to play.

And, speaking to the Express & Star, Bilic explained why that defeat will help drive the players over the line.

"Yes, definitely (it’s a motivator), they want to avoid it but it’s about balance – it’s good to have that pressure. We have got to be brave, we have got to be brave in every situation if we want to achieve what we want to achieve.

"The prize is so high so you can’t be average."

A defeat to Wigan, followed by Saturday's draw with Swansea has seen Albion fall from top spot ahead of the weekend derby against Birmingham.

QUIZ: Can you name the season in which these 14 West Brom images were taken?

The verdict

Last year will have hurt West Brom and it's good that they are using it as a positive as they look to secure automatic promotion.

The players deserve credit for how they have responded this season and even with the recent blip they are in a fantastic position and that shows they have a good mentality and plenty of leaders in the dressing room.

Now, it's about getting back to winning ways, starting against Blues on Saturday.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.