Filip Krovinovic ready to conquer the Championship with West Brom and Slaven Bilic

Albion’s only signing of the summer so far has promised fans he will be in tip-top shape when the season starts in just under three weeks’ time.

Speaking exclusively to the Express & Star after his debut, Krovinovic revealed he was pleasantly surprised to escape the traditional initiation of singing.

And he’s targeting promotion to the Premier League with his new team-mates.

“I hope we will play good football for our fans, it’s what they deserve,” he said. “I hope we will fight to get to the Premier League, I hope we can conquer that this year.

“About me, I hope that I will play, play good, and hope that one day it can open the national team for me. But of course, all my thoughts are on West Bromwich.”

More than 1,000 Albion fans got their first glimpse of Krovinovic in the 3-0 defeat at the hands of Villarreal last weekend.

“It was a very good feeling, my first game for West Brom, I hope it’s the first of many,” said the Croatian playmaker.

“Spanish clubs like to play nice football, and they showed that. It was really difficult for us but we were fighting and we never gave up.

"I’m feeling very good, I did one week with the team, I was doing some more on holiday.

"I’m good in the body and the mind, there is still time, I will be 100 per cent when the season comes round.

“I’m like a number 8 or number 10, depends on where the coach wants to put me.

"Those are my favourite positions, but if the coach says you need to play left-back, I’m prepared to play there!”

Krovinovic was identified immediately by Bilic as soon as he was appointed, and the Croatian jumped at the chance to play for his fellow countryman.

“It was a big thing for me,” said the 23-year-old. “He’s a big coach with a very good name, he’s done a good job everywhere he’s gone. I’m pleased to be working with him.”

Krovinovic’s English is exemplary, but he was still pleased he didn’t have to sing a song as an initiation ritual.

“I was waiting for that but perhaps there’s not that tradition here?” he said. “We shall see if they make me do it first game of the season. I hope not.

“I don’t have a song lined up, I was thinking about it, but if I need to sing I’ll think some more.

“I’m in a room with Rekeem (Harper), but I’m also good with Gibbs, Robson-Kanu, Jake, Bart, even the younger guys. I’m an open person so I’m good with everybody.”