Saturday 7 February 2015 13:38, UK
Darren Fletcher says he hopes his experience of chasing some of the biggest prizes in football at Manchester United will stand him in good stead in his new environment at West Brom.
Fletcher won five Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford but he will now be focused on events at the other end of the table, as West Brom are just three points clear of the drop zone.
However, Fletcher says winning big games requires the same mentality, whatever your club is trying to accomplish.
And he is set to make his West Brom debut in Sunday’s massive match at Burnley, who are just two points behind the Baggies.
"When you win titles, you don't win it by playing fancy football all the time," said Fletcher.
"There are times you have to dig deep to win football matches.
"I have been there before where I've had to dig deep for results, I have done it with Scotland as well.
“There are many ways to win a football match and I am quite accustomed to doing that.
"You need a good dressing room and a good team spirit and they (West Brom) have got that. Hopefully, that can carry us through the rest of the season.
I have been there before where I've had to dig deep for results, I have done it with Scotland as well. There are many ways to win a football match and I am quite accustomed to doing that.
"The manager (Tony Pulis) leaves you under no illusions about what is expected of you on the pitch, how to be off the ball and what you're expected to do with it, and we're working hard on that."
Fletcher made 340 appearances during his long stint with United but he only started five matches this season.
"I was prepared for it and I felt my time was up there, really," he said. "I felt I needed a new challenge and I wanted to play regular football. I hope I can do that.
"Obviously, it is not taken for granted. I have to show I can play and impress the manager.
“But I felt it was my time to go and look for something new and a new challenge."
Fletcher was in the United side who were held 0-0 at Turf Moor back in August, so he knows his new team are in for a testing afternoon on Sunday.
Reflecting on his last visit, he said: “It was a tough afternoon.
"Burnley have had a fantastic season so far with the same squad that got them up. The manager has stuck with them and that team spirit and continuity has helped them.
“We are aware it will be a difficult game. It is a massive game at this stage of the season."
Watch West Brom take on Burnley on Sunday - coverage starts on Sky Sports 1 HD at 11:30am.
