Popov thanks fans after winning Player-of-the-Month vote
GORAN Popov insists he is humbled by Albion supporters voting him the Zoopla Player of the Month for December.
The Macedonia international was the overwhelming choice of Baggies fans in the club’s Facebook poll after impressing with a number of standout performances during the festive period.
And the on-loan Dynamo Kiev defender is delighted to have been presented with the award only five months after his summer move to The Hawthorns.
“Of course I am happy to win this award and I will be putting it in my home,” said Popov.
“It’s nice that the fans took the time to vote for me and it’s good that they have shown they like me as a player.
“I have only been here for five months and last month they decided I was the best player.
“This is the first time I have won this sort of award and I hope it will not be the last.
“They support all of the team well, not only me.
“It’s very nice when you go to a new club and the fans like you, especially when they sing about you.
“When I play I feel good and when they start to sing I feel that I am able to give more than 100 per cent.
“I know the song, and it’s a good song, and it’s great that it’s for me.
“I watch Popeye with my daughter and we enjoy watching it together.
“I have to thank the supporters and everyone who voted for me.
“I now have to play well in our next games as I did when I got Man of the Match.”
The 28-year-old has missed Albion’s previous three fixtures with a hamstring injury he picked up at QPR on Boxing Day but hopes to be available for tomorrow’s trip to Reading (ko 3pm).
“I played for five games and then I got my injury,” added Popov.
“It wasn’t too bad but I had to miss out for two weeks.
“I trained yesterday with the players after doing a lot of running with the physio last week.
“I hope that on Saturday I will play after missing games.
“It’s good that I feel good and I haven’t lost too much physically as I have been able to carry on running.
“I wanted to train on Thursday but the doctor said it would be better to wait one more day.
“It’s important to make sure I am 100 per cent ready before training, but I passed all the tests and was allowed to return to full training.”
PIC: ALL SMILES...Albion supporter Gary Rickard, from Marston Green, presents left-back with his prize at the club’s training ground
PIC: ALL SMILES...Albion supporter Gary Rickard, from Marston Green, presents left-back with his prize at the club’s training ground