At times it looked as if life hadn’t moved on. Zoltan Gera was moving the ball around, passing it, galloping forward, looking to get on the end of balls from team-mates.

It might just have been 2008.

Only it wasn’t.

It was Arsenal away, Albion were losing and Gera’s impact was restricted, to say the least.

His second debut might be long overdue but Gera has seen enough of Albion to know that there is plenty of potential within Roy Hodgson’s side, despite a poor couple of results.

The 32-year-old is currently with Hungary preparing for their friendly against Liechtenstein tomorrow and then next Tuesday’s game against Euro 2012 hosts Poland.

He feels this side is better than the team he left behind en-route to the Premier League under Tony Mowbray three seasons ago.

However, last weekend’s re-introduction into blue-and-white stripes was not what he had wished for.

“I am happy to be back but the result wasn’t good, so on one side I’m happy and on another side I’m not,” said Gera.

“But I am looking forward to playing more games.

“The first 20-25 minutes were tough for me but after that we settled down and it became easier. Playing 60 minutes wasn’t bad for a comeback.

“I found out just before the match that I would be starting, although I thought in the week when we practiced that it looked like I was in the team.

“I was looking forward to playing again but it was a difficult game. Arsenal played well and with high confidence after beating Chelsea.

“Everyone worked hard but Arsenal rotated well in midfield and scored an early goal, which was bad for us.

“But our squad is definitely stronger than when I left in 2008.

“There are lots of good players here - not just in the starting line-up but on the bench as well.

“The club has moved forward but this season will be very difficult for us. It will also be crucial. We need to play well - but the club is definitely moving forward.”

After successive defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal, Albion will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they entertain Bolton.

Wanderers had lost eight of their opening ten league fixtures before Sunday’s 5-0 thrashing of Stoke but Gera is expecting a tough test against Owen Coyle’s men - especially with his old Baggies team-mate Paul Robinson returning to B71.

Gera played in an advanced role on Saturday behind Simon Cox but he doesn’t mind where he plays as long as he is in the team.

“Because of Bolton’s start, the fans will be expecting us to do well against them but it will be a very difficult game because they need the points as well,” he added.

“We have time to prepare for the game and hopefully we will play well and get the three points.”

Gera added: “I do like to play as a second striker, like I did on Saturday, but we didn’t have too much possession so I didn’t have too much chance to break down Arsenal.

“Obviously, I will play where I have to play and I don’t mind playing wide - left or right - or just off the striker.

“Whatever is best for the team, I’m happy with. Hungary now have two games in the next week so that is good for me,” said the summer Bosman signing.

“Hopefully, I will come back to The Hawthorns fitter and stronger after another two games.”

n ALBION have announced the opening of a commercial office in Central London.

This complements the club’s drive to target and connect with businesses in the UK and overseas.

Adrian Wright, Albion’s sales & marketing director said: “We feel that having a base in the capital will not only raise the profile of the club in the national corporate consciousness but, long-term, will strengthen the club’s position in what is a highly-competitive marketplace.”