Premier League return has Roman Bednar smiling

Roman Bednar loves to moan. But Albion's big striker cannot help but smile at the thought of being back in the Premier League.

The Baggies' most noted prankster off the field is also famed for his notorious training ground strops, which have been in evidence all week here in Holland.

But mention the chance to prove himself in England's top division and the Czech forward cannot hide his excitement.

"It's the Premier League and I am looking forward to it so much," said Bednar.

"It's totally different. It's not just about the players, it's even about the name.

"I didn't expect it to be easy last time but I didn't expect it to be how it was.

"It's so different and you need to have a couple of years there to know what it's all about.

"It has special things that no other league has and you need the experience of it to build on.

"It's stronger and faster but there are also stages of games that are like nowhere else.

"It goes up and down and the crowd can get behind you.

"You can have 15 minutes under pressure or you can attack for 15 minutes.

"As a football player you want to play on the best stage possible.

"When you're competing with the best players in the world you can't ask for more.

"It is the best and they always show you what you need to work on. If somebody is quicker or stronger than you then you need to work on that."

Bednar's moody moments are a regular source of amusement for Albion's players and staff, as well as an occasional source of frustration.

The expressive hitman is never shy to voice an opinion to a colleague or coach either on his own performance or a misplaced pass from a team-mate.

But the Baggies squad have learned to accept Bednar's occasional flashpoints, which is good news.

Because he has no plans to change his ways.

"I don't moan too much," insisted the 27-year-old. "When I say something I think I have a point.

"I am upset if somebody doesn't pass to me and we are a team so if I feel I should say something I say it.

"It's up to them whether they pass me the ball but I can still say something and it might help.

"I am not moaning, I just try to keep up with the guys in the running. But if I see something in the game I say it because I think it can help."

Two years ago Bednar had plenty to moan about.

Having made a significant contribution to Albion's Championship title triumph under Tony Mowbray, he found himself marginalised in the Premier League under Tony Mowbray.

Despite striking some memorable goals in the top flight, the former Hearts forward started just a dozen games as Ishmael Miller and then Marc-Antoine Fortune were preferred to spearhead the attack.

Things got worse for Bednar when his well-publicised drugs shame plunged his personal life into chaos and his career into doubt.

But he ended the campaign with a creditable strike-rate and is now keen to prove he could have made a greater impact given more opportunities.

"I still feel when I went on the pitch I did quite well," he said.

"I had 12 games in the starting XI, which isn't much, but I still managed to score six goals.

"I scored three winners and I think when I was on the pitch I did well, but at the time Tony Mowbray didn't pick me as I would have wanted him to.

"That was his choice and I was disappointed but when I went on the pitch I tried my best for the team.

"I have always said I had unfinished business and I still feel like that.

"I have shown in the Championship that I am a better player than that and I want to prove it in the Premier League.

"I feel I belong there and I am ready. I don't want to sit on the bench, I want to play and show what I can do.

"Playing is what makes me happy and I want to play games.

"If I don't I will try my best to be in the team next time."