Club News

Chairman's gesture pleases Berahino

Berahino prepares to make the most of England call up

SAIDO Berahino has revealed that Albion Chairman Jeremy Peace was among the well-wishers following his England call-up - as the striker prepares to depart for international duty on a high.

Roy Hodgson's men will take on Slovenia in a Euro 2016 qualifier next week, before travelling to Scotland to take on the Auld Enemy.

The Baggies man was called into the England senior squad for the first time on Thursday, around the same time as Albion were preparing to begin celebrations marking the unveiling of Tony Brown's statue.

But that didn't stop the Chairman from sending a congratulatory text to the in-form forward.

Berahino cannot wait to join up with the squad - but first comes the small matter of Albion's game against Newcastle.

And the 21-year-old aims to leave Albion behind on a positive note.

"I want to win before I join up with England so if we can get three points it would be great for me," said Berahino.

"It's been an emotional few days for me.

“It would be a way of me rewarding the club for all the hard work they’ve done for me from the age of 11 until now. 

"I've had lots of messages from people. 

"The Chairman surprised me, he sent a message which said 'Well done, keep going and stay focused, hopefully this is one of many'."

"My plan is to take as much as I can out of the experience and hope it helps me become a better player."

Berahino is looking forward to the challenge.

"Some of us thrive on the pressure, some of us fade away," he continued.

"I am not going to put myself under pressure, if people put pressure on me I just soak it all in and let my football do the talking.

"Mentally I could not be any more prepared, the experience I have been through in life has made me a stronger person and character and I don't think anything now will be able to break me down so I am ready for it.

"From a young age she has always said whatever dream you want to go for, go for it with your all and don't play up. Don't waste God's time as well if you are going to pray and do the opposite."