Gera has no time for sentiment

ZOLTAN Gera has vowed to put sentiment to one side as he prepares for tomorrow's Barclays Premier League Hawthorns clash with former club Fulham (ko 3pm).

The Hungary international enjoyed three seasons at Craven Cottage and was a runner-up when Roy Hodgson's side reached the Europa League final in 2010.

But the 34-year-old, who has amassed 186 appearances during two spells with the Baggies, says he is fully focussed on securing his current club's top-flight status.

"I have very good memories from my time at Fulham," said Gera.

“It's a great family club.

"I enjoyed every minute of my time in London but that time is gone.

"I came back here and I'm very happy I did.

"It's going to be a big game for both clubs.

"It doesn't matter who I am playing against, I want to win.

"We are in a dangerous position and I will put everything to one side until after the game. 

"I can think about it being my former club after the game but on the pitch I cannot think like that.

"It is key that I play well for my current club.”

 

Gera netted six crucial goals in the Great Escape season of 2004/05 - when Albion became the first side in Premier League history to be bottom at Christmas and beat the drop.

And the experienced midfielder says his team-mates need to be mentally strong as they look to stave off relegation.

 

"There are about eight teams fighting against relegation, which is crazy," he added.

"There is not much difference between a lot of the teams in the bottom half.

"There is a top six, then another four or five, and then the rest.

"The teams in those groups are very similar to the others.

 

"We have a few six-point games coming up.

"If you win against a rival you can move away from them.

"You have to be mentally strong as there is a lot of pressure in these games.”