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Salomon Rondon: Baggies big in Venezuela

Record signing Salomon Rondon believes he has put Albion on the map in his native Venezuela.

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The £12m striker reckons the Baggies' fanbase has rocketed in the South American nation following his switch from Zenit St Petersburg, where he impressed Albion scouts.

He is just the second Venezuelan to play in the Premier League after Fernando Amorebieta, who spent time with Fulham.

"He was born in Venezuela but grew up in Spain," said Rondon.

"There are a lot of West Brom fans in Venezuela now.

"I have had loads of messages of support and the people at home are always wishing me to do my best."

Rondon impressed in his first Baggies start on Sunday as Tony Pulis's side slid to a 3-2 home defeat against Chelsea.

And he says he is working hard to get to grips with the demands of English football.

"I am trying to be at my best as fast as I can," said the 25-year-old.

"The Russian league had already started but I have been a few weeks without playing.

"It was a bit of a surprise to play against Watford because I had not played for four or five weeks and you need time to adapt.

"There are certain details that have not quite been ironed out yet, but I am doing everything I can to be back as quickly as possible.

"It is a type of football here that suits me here, I think, because of my physical characteristics.

"I need to get to my best as quickly as possible to show my qualities, but I think I am suited to this type of physical game."

n Midfielder Liam O'Neil has made a permanent switch to Chesterfield for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old made three Premier League substitute appearances for Albion plus three League Cup starts.

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