Thomas underwent a trial at Molineux during the summer of 2009 and played in a friendly against MK Dons when he picked up a hamstring injury. Wolves decided they wanted another look at the player before deciding whether to sign him but Di Matteo stepped in with a three-year contract offer. Thomas repaid the faith shown in him by playing a key part in the Baggies gaining promotion back to the Premier League. He has continued the same form this season and will look to help the Baggies reach the 25-point mark by Christmas with victory over Wolves at The Hawthorns in Sunday's lunch-time encounter. But Di Matteo is also looking for more goal-power from Thomas. The Baggies head coach said: "Jerome played the pre-season before last at Wolves but we showed faith in him. "He had an injury history but we showed faith. He had a great season for us last year and scored some great goals. "He hasn't scored as many so far in the Premier League as I expected him to. "I think he needs to improve on that side but he's been a great signing for us and made a significant contribution." Albion have impressed with their passing style since returning to the top flight and earned plaudits for winning at Arsenal and drawing away to Manchester United. Di Matteo recognises the passion that will be required in a derby but does not want his players to change their overall philosophy. He said: "The players are very much aware that Wolves are our biggest rivals in the region. "But we need to play our game and make sure we don't go out and do something completely different. "We've come so far with our philosophy with the way we want to play and win games. "It was no consolation last weekend when we played well and lost at Aston Villa when we deserved at least a point. "But I believe if we keep performing and playing like that, it will get us results." Skipper Scott Carson is aware of the need for Albion to keep picking up points to ensure top-flight survival. He said: "The way the league is shaping up, it does look like you might need 40 points or more this season to stay up. "It's very important to keep collecting points on a regular basis and not get sucked into a run of games where you come away empty handed. "It's important we focus on the whole season rather than one good or one bad result."
