by Mark Bassey

Brown Ideye played like a man possessed on Saturday, as West Brom drubbed West Ham 4-0 in the FA Cup.

The Nigerian has been in fine form in the last four matches for the Baggies, but this is one competition he is eager to do well in.

“I watched the FA Cup as a kid in Nigeria and it’s a dream come true to be involved at this stage,” he explained afterwards.

Ideye is seeking to emulate compatriot Kanu Nwankwo, who incidentally played for West Brom, but won the competition with Portsmouth.

“For me, Kanu’s like a mentor,” he continued. “He’s one of the big players everyone looks up to, so I’m happy to follow in his footsteps.

“I can’t remember his goal in the cup final, but he’s told me all about it. He calls me sometimes and I get advice because I know he used to play here. I’ve never been to Wembley, so it would be special to go there with West Brom, but we’ve one more game to win first.”

What makes it the more remarkable, is that the striker was almost shipped off to Qatar, with Al Gharafa willing to take him in a cut-price £4m deal.

Ideye said: “The club makes the decision who to sign. It’s unfortunate they were not able to bring in Carlton Cole, but I was never looking to leave West Brom and move to Qatar.

“I was ready to keep working hard and wait for my ­opportunity rather than leaving. Nothing’s changed – except right now I’m scoring in every game, and that’s important.”

He has stayed and he has this prize firmly in his sights. Monday’s draws saw West Brom paired against Aston Villa. It will be a typical Midlands derby. Blood and thunder. But one man – Brown Ideye – is battle ready.