Ali Al-Habsi has revealed how a natter with Tomasz Kuszczak made signing for Albion a no-brainer.

Al-Habsi talked to his opposite number Kuszczak after helping Wigan to a 2-1 win at the Amex last season.

The glowing appraisal of the club by Kuszczak, now on trial at Wolves, left Al-Habsi in no doubt when the chance came on Thursday evening to join Albion on loan for a month in place of broken finger victim David Stockdale.

Al-Habsi said: "I had a call from my agent and he told me that the goalkeeper had a broken finger and that there was an opportunity for me to come here.

"There was no hesitation and I made the decision to join as soon as I received confirmation from my agent that the deal had gone through.

"Last season when we came here with Wigan we had a really tough game and I didn’t think I'd be lucky enough to play for such a great football club.

"I had a chat with Kuszczak after the game and he said that’s it's a fantastic club, especially with the training ground and everything.

"When I arrived at the training ground for the first time, you can see how beautiful it is and that this is a top club."

Al-Habsi was Wigan's undisputed No. 1 during the reign of Roberto Martinez.

Owen Coyle, Martinez' successor, signed Scott Carson with Al-Habsi sidelined by shoulder surgery.

An injury to Carson gave Al-Habsi a run of games under Uwe Rosler last season but Carson has now established himself as the German's first choice.

Al-Habsi has been kicking his heels on the bench, so the experienced Omani international is grateful for the opportunity of game time with Sami Hyypia's strugglers, beginning with his debut at Bournemouth tonight.

Al-Habsi said: "He's a legend and was a big player with Liverpool who won the Champions League. I'm looking forward to meeting him and working with him during my time here.

"The main target is to play every game and keep clean sheets, which is always the best feeling. Hopefully I can have a great relationship with the fans.

"I'm now really looking forward to playing my first game and I will give 100% for this football club. That's what I’ve been doing when I was at Bolton and at Wigan and this is a chance to continue that. I'm ready to fight and give everything."

Al-Habsi is a popular figure with supporters at Wigan, where his future is uncertain.

One of the top wage earners from their Premier League era, he is out of contract in the summer and the Latics have an emerging young keeper in Lee Nicholls.

There is no apparent vacancy at Albion once Stockdale recovers from his digit damage, with the promising Christian Walton and the experienced Casper Anergren on the books as well.

It is worth recalling, however, that Al-Habsi found himself in a similar situation when he first joined Wigan from Bolton, initially on loan as cover for the injured Chris Kirkland. He impressed and Kirkland could not regain his place.