Albion strikers of past and present join forces
BROWN Ideye revealed he has received advice from Albion fans’ favourite and compatriot Kanu as he strives to succeed at The Hawthorns.
Ideye arrived in the Black Country earlier this summer for a club-record transfer fee from Dynamo Kiev.
The Nigeria international striker made his Baggies bow as a second-half substitute in Saturday’s goalless draw against Southampton at St Mary’s, twice coming close to a debut goal.
And, speaking afterwards, Ideye admitted he had spoken to fellow Nigerian Kanu in order to get the lowdown on how to become a hit at Albion.
Kanu spent two years with the Baggies between 2004-06, scoring a total of nine goals in 58 appearances and memorably playing his part in the Great Escape.
Ideye said: “I spoke with Kanu, once or twice in a week. He’s a great guy.
“He told me to be myself and try to do my best on the pitch, to score goals so that hopefully the fans and the club would be behind me.
“He just told me to give my best in every game and try to get my head down and listen to what the manager has to say and also what my fellow players are telling me.”
Having had to wait around three weeks for his work permit application process to complete, Ideye was forced to miss Albion’s pre-season tour of the US.
He finally arrived in the UK on August 8 and has wasted little time getting started.
The 25-year-old insists he is loving life at Albion and will ‘soon’ be operating at 100% fitness levels.
And Ideye has hailed the great team spirit on show at the club and the warm welcome he has received from team-mates and fans alike.
“They have supported me from the very first day I signed,” he said.
“They have given me all their support and waited for me to get on the pitch and play. On Saturday I went on and gave my best, so I believe they will be happy for me.
“The players too are really happy for me getting on the pitch.”
Ideye added: “I think this season will be great. I am really looking forward to it.
“We just have to keep working hard because we have had two games now that we didn’t lose so that shows we have a really strong side.
“We just have to keep working hard and make sure we give our best in every game.”