Berahino ready for England duty
IT was a break from the norm today as Alan Irvine faced the press - but this time flanked by man-of-the-moment Saido Berahino.
The Albion striker, called up for England's forthcoming games against Slovenia and Scotland, offered his thoughts on his first-ever senior international call-up.
And the 21-year-old claimed he owed his achievements to his mum Liliane.
BERAHINO said:
"It will be a proud moment. Not just for my mum but my whole family.
"She's always been there to speak to me, tell me to not get carried away. It will be massive for her.
"It still feels like a dream. I couldn't believe it when I got the call. Everyone kept saying it would happen but it isn't till you get it back that it sinks in.
"I actually found out just like the rest of the country - from TV."
Commenting on Alan Irvine's influence, BERAHINO said:
"Since the gaffer came in he has put his trust in me. When that happens you want to give your all for them. I've been given the freedom to express myself.
"I won't be getting carried away. People who know me know that I work hard on my game, I like to have a laugh - I'm like any youngster. I don't have to change.
"I've got to where I am because of what I've been doing. But I know I can handle the pressure and let the football do the talking. I had a good start to the season, worked very hard and now I've got my chance to progress even more. I'm trying to improve my game. I will take my experience into the England set-up and try to improve even more."
IRVINE, on Berahino:
"Like any young player it's important he remains focused, doesn't forget what he's had to do to make this progress.
"It is very easy to be distracted by what happens outside of a training ground or a football pitch.
"It's difficult, without a doubt, but my feeling is that this is a great opportunity to learn even more about football. Now's the chance to learn what top footballers do at this level.
"The first thing I'll be asking is what have you learned? And how's that going to change about how you go about things? This is a great occasion for him but also the best learning opportunity for him.
"I've said before - to media and Saido - if he keeps doing what he's done so far, living his life as he has been, training as he has been then good things will happen. This is a good thing that's happened.
"He's in a good place, at a club where he plays week in week out. We continue to play to his strengths and there is lots of potential to him to work on his game here."