Darren Fletcher: Saido is even hungrier

West Brom captain Darren Fletcher thinks the disappointment of missing the European Under-21 Championships has made Saido Berahino even more hungry.

The skipper has been impressed by the 21-year-old striker's attitude and is tipping him to make a flying start to the season.

Having played an integral role in helping the team qualify, Berahino was forced to miss the Euros after picking up a knee injury while training ahead of the tournament.

But he scored in last Friday's 2-1 friendly win over Charleston Battery, after stepping up his recovery on the club's pre-season tour of the United States.

Fletcher said: "Since he's come back, Saido has looked really focused and I think he's really excited about the start of the season.

"He was massively disappointed to miss the Under-21s but he's almost using that as motivation to get focused and show people this season how good a player he is.

"He's trained fantastically and his performances have been good, considering how long he's been out injured.

"The thing that's impressed me most of all is how focused he is and how determined he is to have a great season."

Berahino will look to build on a campaign in which he scored 20 goals in all competitions.

With Albion boss Tony Pulis so far frustrated in his attempts to add extra firepower to the forward line, Fletcher also took encouragement from the performances of Berahino's fellow striker Brown Ideye.

The club's record £10million signing scored against Charleston and in Sunday's win over Richmond Kickers.

Fletcher added: "Goals are important for strikers. All strikers like finding the net and they take great confidence from doing that.

"Bobby (Ideye) has scored two winners and Saido scored in Charleston and we're going to need them firing for the start of the season because we're short of numbers just now.

"Every player is going to count."

The skipper was himself among Albion's best performers on the United States trip and is looking forward to the home leg of pre-season, which begins on Saturday at Swindon.

He added: "I feel great. I'm improving and I feel stronger with every match and, obviously, there are a few more to go until the start of the season.

"If it keeps on like this, I'm sure I'll be fighting fit."

[comments_cta header="What do you think?" text="Will Saido Berahino be even better for West Brom next season?" button="Log in and start commenting"]