West Bromwich Albion striker Charlie Austin has explained why he left Southampton.

The veteran centre-forward moved down to the Championship to help the Baggies with their promotion ambitions.

Many were surprised at the move and his willingness to leave the Premier League to pursue regular first team football.

Speaking to the official West Brom website, Austin said: "It was a project that I wanted to be a part of.

"I have seen that the manager is here and with the staff and the players that he has brought in and the players that are already here it was something that as soon as the opportunity came that I jumped at.

"It is a project that I want to be a part of and their goal this year is to get promotion and I want to be a part of that.

"Many years ago you would see West Brom for what it is and you see now the new manager has come in and they are trying to turn it completely around.

"New players have come in and with the squad they have already got here it only bodes well for the future.

"As a centre forward you are known for your goals, that is what it is. There was only one team that scored more than Albion last year.

"I have come here to play. There's no point saying that I haven't. I have come here to start and hit the ground running, score goals and help the lads and everyone involved with the club.

"It's all about me getting a run of games and I fully believe in myself, the manager has belief in me and I think when the time comes most of the lads will as well."