MARCUS Haber admits it is going to take time to adjust to English football - but insists he is a quick learner.

The Canadian striker completed his move to the Baggies last week after impressing on a four-day trial in November and has been handed shirt No.40 in Roberto Di Matteo's squad.

He recently completed a highly-successful first season in Canada with Vancouver Whitecaps, scoring eight goals and recording four assists during the United Soccer Leagues First Division campaign.

The hitman, who celebrated his 21st birthday yesterday, has also represented Canada at Under-17 and Under-20 levels and was a member of the Under-23 squad involved in qualifying for the Beijing Olympics in March 2008.

But he recognises he needs to up his game to compete in the Coca-Cola Championship and knows he will have to be patient for his first-team chance.

"The club were pretty straight forward with me from day one," said Haber.

"They said that if I was given the opportunity that they would take me seriously and work to improve me as a young player.

"They've been pretty up front that, yes, I'm a project and I might not be in the first team right away.

"Every young player should have patience because you don't know when you're time is going to come.

"I'm just going to work hard, keep an open mind and see how I get on from week to week.

"It's a good opportunity for me and I'm just going to take it in my stride.

"I was here over in England a year ago and I can definitely say I've progressed a lot since then.

"The difference is having a season of first-team football behind me.

"I see myself as someone who likes to get in behind the back-four and run at players with my pace.

"But I expect the Championship to be a lot faster and it will probably be more physical so it's going to take some time to adjust.

"But I've played internationally against some big, strong players before so hopefully it won't take too long to adjust."

The Vancouver-born player has also been impressed by what he has seen from the Baggies.

"It's very easy to see what a well run club this is from the bottom up," he added.

"The trial gave me a good chance to take a look at the club and I'm happy to be back."