West Bromwich Albion striker Brown Ideye believes Tony Pulis has saved his career at the club.
The 26-year-old is the Baggies’ record signing, but was on the verge of leaving the club on transfer deadline day with a £3.75million move to Qatari club Al-Gharafa all but complete.
However, after West Brom’s pursuit of West Ham striker Carlton Cole fell through in January, the £10million man was forced to stay at the Hawthorns.
Ideye has now scored twice in his last two games, and admitted he struggled for form and fitness under ex-Albion head coach Alan Irvine following a summer switch from Dynamo Kiev but admitted Pulis has revived him.
“I didn’t really have that much [playing] time when Alan was here,” Ideye said.
“This time is really different because I have more time and more of a role to play, holding the ball up is what I am good at.
“The way Tony wants me to play suits my game. Right now, I’m just in the right place.
“He likes strikers to work hard even if you don’t score.
“I guess I’ve not started playing football [for West Brom] the way I know how to play it.
“I’ve played for several clubs and they can testify how I can play.
“Confidence comes with scoring and I’m at that point now that each goal lifts my confidence and scoring goals for me in every game is a good thing as a striker.”