Chaplow wants to stay

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Richard Chaplow insists he will stay at the club and help them back to The Premiership.

The former Burnley star spent the second-half of last season on loan at Championship outfit Southampton and is currently recovering from a knee operation.

Chaplow has recently been linked with a move to high-flyers Wigan, but the 21-year-old does not believe there is any substance to the rumours.

"I've never thought about walking away. I want to play my football here at Albion. I have things to prove," he said.

"The Wigan link is a surprise. I can't see how you can be linked with a club riding high in the Premiership if you haven't been playing at that level. It's all talk with no substance.

"I want to be a West Brom player and I think the gaffer wants me here too. I have spoken to him briefly since I came back here but he was pleased with what I achieved."

Meanwhile, Albion boss Bryan Robson believes the midfielder will go onto to be a top player in English football.

Chaplow has had few chances to impress since joining The Baggies in January 2005, with Robson stating that last season was too early for the youngster to be a Premiership regular.

"Richard Chaplow can have a real good future in the game and I do feel in the next two years he will turn out to be a real top player," Robson added.

"Maybe people sometimes forget he is only 21 and he has got a lot of ability.

"I felt that last season was a bit too early for him to play week in, week out in The Premiership which is why I allowed him to go to Southampton and get matches under his belt.

"He has done well, will be better for the experience of the last few months and will be a better player for us for next season when we have to try to get back in The Premiership."