ROMAN Bednar believes he has hit his best form - and is thriving in the lone striker role he has been handed by Roberto Di Matteo.

The Czech hitman has found a new lease of life since being brought back into the Baggies' starting XI for the last four games.

His strike in Albion's 3-1 win over Sheffield United on Saturday took his season's tally to six - and made it three goals in his last four league games.

"I was pleased with my goal on Saturday," said Bednar.

"I let it go across my body and it was a cool finish. I was pleased with it.

"I should have scored more.

"It was a physical game against Sheffield United and a good contest, but I like the technical side too.

"The gaffer asked me to do certain things and I've tried to do that.

"I feel that I have more freedom in this 4-5-1 formation to do what I can and create space.

"I know what I'm doing on the pitch and don't feel alone because the midfielders surround me and help with goals.

"It's a system that's working for us."

The former Hearts hitman returned from a lengthy suspension with a deadly double in August's 2-2 draw with the Blades.

He believes his fitness levels were not then at a level for him to kick on, which he insists is not the case now.

"For sure this is my best form," he added.

"When I scored up there I wasn't fully right fitness-wise and the past was still there around me.

"I don't think about that now.

"The gaffer, players, supporters, the club - they are the most important thing.

"That's all I need to worry about.

"The future is the most important thing."

Bednar was unable to train between Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Ipswich and Saturday's victory due to a bruised foot.

But he is relishing what he expects to be another tough away encounter at Blackpool tomorrow (ko 7.45pm).

And he remembers how difficult the Baggies' last Bloomfield Road encounter was when a Kevin Phillips double and Ishmael Miller strike - all in the last nine minutes - rescued victory from the jaws of defeat.

"I was on the bench for that game," said Bednar.

"We need a game like that again.

"It was a very difficult game for us and Kevin saved us.

"It showed at Ipswich last week how difficult this league is."