West Bromwich Albion

Matej Vydra: "I feel in perfect shape"

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 14 October 2013

Czech Republic striker Matej Vydra insists that he is "in perfect shape" after recovering from the thigh injury that has halted the start of his West Bromwich Albion career.

Matej Vydra has declared himself in "perfect shape" following an injury-blighted start to his West Bromwich Albion career.

The Czech Republic striker joined the Baggies on loan in the summer after impressing in the Championship for Watford, for whom he scored 20 goals in 27 starts during the 2012-2013 campaign.

He has made just two substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, and suffered a thigh problem in his only start for the club to date - their Capital One Cup victory over Newport County.

However, Vydra has insisted that he has fully recovered from his fitness concerns and is now ready to compete for a place in Steve Clarke's first team.

"The first prognosis saw me out for four weeks," Vydra told chovanecsport.cz. "For me to be able to join the national side, it was not good enough. West Brom wanted me to recover completely and be ready at 100 per cent.

"Now I feel in perfect shape. The leg doesn't hurt and I'm ready. I played 60 minutes for the reserve team against Reading and even scored. Then another 45 minutes for the first team versus a youth side from Derby County.

"Everything was fine. I have been in training with the first team for quite some while already and endure the full burden without any problems."

The 21-year-old will be vying with the likes of Nicolas Anelka, Stephane Sessegnon, Victor Anichebe and Saido Berahino for a place in the West Brom forward line.