Tony Pulis confident Saido Berahino will be ready

Albion boss Tony Pulis is confident Saido Berahino will be ready for the start of the Premier League season after the striker stepped up his recovery in the United States.

Berahino scored the opening goal in Friday's 2-1 win at Charleston Battery in his first game since suffering a summer knee injury.

That ruled him out of England's European Under-21s Championship campaign and the Baggies' fitness camp in Austria, but he travelled to America and played in South Carolina after missing the opening tour game in Orlando.

Pulis said: "I don't think he's too far behind. I think he's quite a naturally fit lad.

"But he will need more game time.

"I'm confident he'll be ready for Man City – no problems.

"Saido makes a big difference and in the first half we played really well, controlled the game and had lots of opportunities to score.

"In the second half we changed the team.

"I was pleased. The most important thing was the fitness of the players and we've got everybody through.

"There were one or two little niggles at the end but that was the second game in three days, then we knew we only had a day's rest before we played the third game.

"It's an important week or 10 days and hopefully they are gleaning more strength and fitness from it."

Defenders Craig Dawson and Joleon Lescott picked up thigh and hip injuries respectively at the Blackbaud Stadium but neither is thought to be seriously troubled.

Brown Ideye also bagged hisfirst goal of pre-season, the Baggies' record signing netting the late winner after Navion Boyd had drawn the USL side level in the second half.

And the Nigeria international is looking forward to his second season in the Premier League.

"It's always good to get off the mark," said Ideye. "It has been tough but this is what we came here for – to train very hard and get ready for the season.

"I am happy that things went well on Friday for the club and me too because I want to score.

"For strikers goals are always important.

"You have to make sure you try to get yourself right in pre-season and get ready for the season. I learned a lot last season. I came back from injury struggling but right now I'm ready to go, give it my all and see how it goes.

"I wouldn't say I'm a better player now but each game you play increases your confidence and I enjoy the games.

"I am also happy for Saido because it's never easy for a player to be nursing an injury, so it's good to see him back.

"Now I just want enjoy my game and hopefully good things will happen for the club and myself.

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"I just want to play my football and enjoy it."