West Bromwich Albion striker Brown Ideye has said that he needs to prove himself, after a difficult start to life in the Premier League.

Ideye joined West Brom for a club-record fee last summer, but he has scored just three goals since his arrival and there was talk that he may leave the club for Qatari side Al-Gharafa last month.

He told reporters: "I never thought I was going to leave West Brom for a club in Qatar. I haven't really started playing football for West Brom so I think I should have more time. I've been having a lot of support from the fans and people at the club so I don't think now should be the time for me to leave.

"People can say what they want, they have the right to do that. Since I came here I haven't been that Brown Ideye that people know and I feel bad about it. This is England and if you're not giving your best, people talk. I think they are right in everything they say. I should be on top of my game but it's not possible for you to be on top of your game when you're sitting on the bench.

"I just have to keep pushing on, even if I only have 10 or 15 minutes in the game. I have to prove myself."

Ideye could feature for West Brom against Swansea City on Wednesday.