Albion striker determined to prove himself
BROWN Ideye has urged fans to give him a chance as he prepares to fight for his place in the Albion side.
The Baggies striker has found himself out of the 18-man matchday squad in recent weeks.
His recent ankle injury has not helped his cause, nor has the form of Saido Berahino.
But Ideye remains positive.
The Nigeria international suffered the injury as he converted his first-ever goal in English football, in the 3-2 Capital One Cup win against Hull City.
Ideye has been bemused by criticism he has received from some quarters, especially as he has only played 198 minutes of his overall 394 minutes in the Barclays Premier League.
He feels that his goals' return at Swiss club Neuchatel Xamax, Sochaux of France and Dynamo Kyiv present a strong defence of his record.
“A lot of people are writing on my Instagram and Twitter page saying ‘you’re not worth the money’,” he said.
“How can you criticise somebody who has not been playing? I don’t think that is fair.
“It makes me stronger and makes me want to bounce back as quickly as possible.
“I know the money spent for me to be here but I’m not even talking about the money.
“I just want to show the world and everybody that I can do it.
“I have been doing it since the first club I played [for] in Europe and I have never been a flop.
“You can ask all the clubs I have played at. I have generally been one of the best at those clubs so I don’t think I will have problems here.”
He continued: “I am just unlucky, it was unfortunate I got injured and when I was out the team was doing very well.
“I am an Albion player so I have to support every bit of that and I am cool with it.
“As for me I just have to bounce back as fast as possible because right now a lot of people are expecting a lot from me."
He also brushed away media speculation that he might leave the club in the next transfer window.
Ideye continued: “It’s too early to start thinking about transfer or loan so I am here to give my all, here to fight, I am here to fight for my space or a role in the team or first XI."