Salomon Rondon is West Brom's No 9

West Brom striker Salomon Rondon has requested No 9 on the back of his shirt for next season.

Albion's record signing was given No 33 when he joined last August, because Brown Ideye was still at the club when he arrived and wearing the leading striker's number.

Ideye left for Olympiacos at the end of August and now Rondon would like to be recognised boss as Tony Pulis' main forward .

He was pictured wearing the No.9 when the Baggies officially released their kit yesterday.

The Venezuelan – who signed from Zenit St Petersburg last summer for £12millon – has scored nine goals this season, including eight in the Premier League.

Six of his nine goals have come since Christmas and Pulis expects the 26-year-old to improve next season.

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The head coach said: "He's a good player. He's found it difficult at times to maintain the pace and the intensity of this league.

"It's the first time he's been with us in England, the language and everything else, but his attitude has been fantastic.

"We're looking forward to him hopefully having a big season next year.

"If you speak to him, he's most probably missed six or seven chances that he would normally put away."

Rondon ended a seven-game scoreless run against Bournemouth last weekend, with a trademark header from a Jonny Evans cross.

Baggies captain Darren Fletcher said: "I was delighted to see Salomon score. He deserves the goal for his work-rate.

"His work rate is brilliant and sometimes it goes unnoticed just how hard he works for the team.

"He has had a fantastic first season in England, but I believe we will see the best of him next year."