Seb: Belgium boost all down to Albion
Fans' favourite Sebastien Pocognoli today thanked Albion for re-launching his Belgium career as he admitted his move to The Hawthorns has accelerated his international return.
The popular left-back has been recalled to the Belgium squad by boss Marc Wilmots after a strong start to his Baggies career following his summer move from Hannover.
And the 27-year-old, who missed out on a place in his country's World Cup squad, believes playing in the Premier League has helped him win back his place in Wilmots' plans.
"It's good news to be called up, especially after missing the World Cup," said Pocognoli, who could figure in the home game against Andorra on Friday and the trip to Bosnia-Herzegovina on Monday – both in Euro 2016 qualifiers.
"I'm happy after the way the season has started for me here. To start well was very important for me. Playing every game for West Bromwich was important.
"Each game is shown on Belgian TV. If I am picked for the national team then it'll be because I'm getting good reports."
"My last game was against Ivory Coast, before the World Cup. I was named in the 26 but didn't make the final 23. I had a good start to last season but in the second half of the season I played about seven games because injury set me back. I didn't play from March to May."
Pocognoli's strong start at Albion has already made him a hit with supporters, who have taken to his no-nonsense style.
And the former Standard Liege man believes he is well-suited to the Premier League. "The Bundesliga was good but for me the feeling was that the Premier League would be ideal for me because of the way I play and the qualities I have," he said. "I am enjoying my time here."
