Darren Fletcher: Top pro Rickie Lambert is a team player

Captain Darren Fletcher reckons Rickie Lambert's reputation as 'the ultimate pro' has earned him respect in the Albion dressing room.

The 33-year-old striker has been only a bit-part player in the early stages of his first season at The Hawthorns, following a £3million summer move from Liverpool.

But he produced his best performance in a Baggies shirt to date in Sunday's 1-1 draw at West Ham, when he inspired a second-half fightback.

And Fletcher claims Lambert's willingness to be a team player has made him a popular member of the squad.

"He has been the ultimate pro, trains hard every days, encourages people when he is not in the team," said Fletcher.

"That says a lot about the guy and is why you see the reaction with the goal.

"Maybe it is just his character in general, the fact he is an older player who everyone looks up to. He knows that people follow attitude.

"I cannot speak highly enough of him, he has been a fantastic player.

"He has not played as much as he would have liked, but he showed that when he is called upon he gives 100 per cent and he was the difference on Sunday."

Albion's attacking play has come in for its share of criticism this term, but Fletcher saw plenty of signs for optimism during the second half on Sunday – most notably in the burgeoning relationship between Lambert and club record signing Salomon Rondon.

"I thought they played off each other fantastically," added Fletcher.

"People don't appreciate Rickie's touch and his awareness of a pass, which is fantastic.

"Salomon is looking to get on the shoulder and he knows that if Rickie gets time he will pick him out with a pass."