West Bromwich Albion manager Alan Irvine has expressed enthusiasm over his side's reportedly imminent signing of World Cup defender Cristian Gamboa.

The Costa Rican star, currently playing for Rosenborg in Norway, is expected to sign a contract at The Hawthorns today after having had a medical in the week, according to the Express & Star.

"I think a lot of people will know him from the World Cup, he played as a wing-back in the tournament but he's also played at right-back," Irvine is quoted as saying.

"We like the fact that he's versatile, he's extremely quick, aggressive, he plays very much on the front foot and has great energy.

"Hopefully he will do a good job for us."

Gamboa helped his national team reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Brazil this year.