Saido Berahino pepped up for return by Darren Fletcher's private word

Captain Darren Fletcher has backed Saido Berahino to win round Albion's fans through hard work after revealing he gave the striker a 'pep talk' ahead of his Hawthorns return.

Berahino featured as a second-half substitute for the Baggies during Saturday's 0-0 draw with Southampton, less than a fortnight after declaring on Twitter he would never play for the club again after being denied a deadline day move to Tottenham.

Fletcher praised the 22-year-old's attitude since returning to training last week following extended time off and revealed he had a private chat with the striker.

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"All you can do is do your best and speak to him," said the Albion skipper. "He might not take on board everything you say, but if he only takes on board a little bit and it makes him stop and think for a little bit then I've done my job.

"All you can do is educate and people have to make their own decisions.

"I'd like to think I've helped a little bit but you can't control everything."

Berahino received a mixed response from the crowd after coming on as a 55th-minute substitute.