West Brom striker Charlie Austin grateful for fans' belief

The striker, a £4million capture from Southampton, arrived at The Hawthorns in the summer having scored 151 career goals.

Austin netted on his Baggies debut in the League Cup defeat to Millwall.

But he had failed to find the target in six Championship outings before Saturday's clash against Neil Warnock's side.

That game also looked like it would be a frustrating one for the forward who was twice denied by outstanding stops from Alex Smithies.

After both those chances, though, Albion fans sang his name.

And Austin admitted that support helped spur him on.

"That’s why I've always felt they (the fans) are with me," the striker said.

"The first two chances the keeper makes great saves and I was just disappointed.

"I felt the fans were disappointed as well but not in a negative way, they stayed positive, singing my name.

"I’ve been at places with players where the fans have got onto their back and it goes the opposite way. Not these fans.

"They were fantastic for me and really gave me that believe to go on."

While Austin never doubted his goalscoring ability, he admitted it was a relief to finally net a Championship goal for the Baggies.

"It was a long time coming so it is fantastic to finally score," he continued.

"I’ve had the chances but I’ve always had belief in myself and that never went anywhere.

"I’ve come here with a big reputation and I enjoy every goal I score.

"But it is a weight lifted off my shoulders because I guess people have been asking ‘when is it going to come?’"

Austin is confident now he is off the mark the goals will flow.

"Listen, I’ve scored plenty of goals – I know what I’m doing," he added.

"I’ve got plenty of confidence in myself. With the team we have got, I’ll constantly score goals. We are a fantastic side."