Steve Clarke backs Andre Villas-Boas

West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke has tipped Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas to prove himself in the Premier League.

Villas-Boas suffered a disappointing spell in charge of Chelsea last season before replacing Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane.

Clarke refuses to focus on Villas-Boas's Chelsea reign, instead pointing to his record at Porto, where he led the Portuguese side to a quadruple that included an unbeaten league season.

"I know Andre well. He's a good guy who worked really well with Jose [Mourinho] at Chelsea. He was really young then but even then I could see he was really enthusiastic and he had a driving ambition to become a coach in the game. He's done great," said Clarke.

"Everybody harps on about his spell at Chelsea but before that, he had a fantastic year at Porto. So let's not forget that. I'm sure he'll be successful in the Premier League - hopefully not too successful this weekend - but after that, he knows he's got my best wishes.

"He's a good coach and I wish him all the best."

Clarke and Villas-Boas, who worked together at Chelsea, will be reunited when West Brom face Spurs on Saturday.