WEST BROM'S FANS ENERGISED ME – ODEMWINGIE

Odemwingie , West Brom wich Albion
Super Eagles' striker, Peter Osaze Odemwingie, admitted the warm welcome he received from the Albion's supporters spurred him on to score the winning strike against Sunderland as he made his debut at the end of a whirlwind week. The Nigerian striker clocked up the air miles in the build up to the game with flights between Korea, where he played an international, London and Moscow.

But he showed no signs of travel fatigue as he opened his Baggies account with an 81st-minute goal against the Black Cats in front of the Hawthorns hordes. “I was really impressed by the way the supporters welcomed me,” said Odemwingie.

“When they called my name in the warm-up, the whole stadium applauded. “I wasn't expecting this. “That gave me confidence and I really felt good. “Straight away I felt like one of their players and I thank them for this. “Then it was left for me to do everything possible to have a good start.

“It was important for the team as it was the first home game.” He added: “I've had to travel a lot.

“I came from Korea which took a whole day and then I flew from London back to Moscow to wait for the paperwork to be done by both clubs. “I tried to train a bit on my own as well, so I was a little bit tired and stressed – the sudden change is not easy. “But my team-mates made it easy for me. “There are many nice guys here, we fight together and we got three points.”

The 29-year-old hitman also dedicated his goal to the Albion and Lokomotiv Moscow officials who worked tirelessly on Friday night to ensure he received international clearance in time to play on Saturday. “We had to do a lot on Friday night in order for me to be on the pitch Saturday,” he said. “The papers had to be moved from Moscow – and I think the effort was worth it.

“I was really happy for everyone and the goal was for my agent, the people who worked hard at West Brom and in Moscow as well. “They really helped me on Friday night to make sure I played on Saturday.”