Club News

Markus wants goal for 'fantastic' fans

Striker thanks supporters for their continued backing during 'tough' time

MARKUS Rosenberg has hailed the Baggies fans for continuing to back him through what has been a difficult first season in English football.

Albion supporters have even taken to Twitter in recent months to encourage the former Werder Bremen and Ajax striker, using the hashtag #backtheberg.

And the Sweden international is eager to pay tribute to them by firing his first Albion goal in the final two games against Norwich and Manchester United.

“I hope I can score a goal for the fantastic fans,” said Rosenberg.

“They have been unbelievable and you couldn’t really imagine that after signing a striker who didn’t score and didn’t play so well for a long time.

“But they have been fantastic the whole time, supporting me, and that is another plus when I play good football and give a little bit back to them.”

The Sweden international, who has made just four top-flight starts this term, is now hoping he can keep his place in Steve Clarke’s starting XI for a third successive game when the Baggies travel to Carrow Road on Sunday.

“With the other games I played there were too many weeks or months between them,” he insisted.

“I had a game against Stoke, which was a difficult game and not my type of game, just fighting for long balls.

“And in the other game against Manchester United I didn’t touch the ball as much.

“In these last two games I had more of the ball and more chance to control it, and that is more my type of game.

“I am very satisfied with the performances because I was able to show my type of football.

“I didn’t show that before, but I don’t think I had the minutes to show it either.

“It was good, and it’s getting better with every minute I’m out there.”

He added: “It is always the case as a football player that when it’s not working on the field it’s not working off it, either.

“They go together, so it’s been tough because if it’s not working you take that home with you and you are frustrated, so overall it’s been a tough year.

“Myself and the head coach have spoken a lot, I have been honest and he’s been honest.

“I have told him that I need more game time and he has told me it will come.

“I have played the last two games and I am happy with that at the moment.”