Albion striker David Rodriguez has been told to keep the faith during his tough first few weeks in England.

The former Celta striker says he is loving life in England.

But he concedes he has found the adaptation to the intense nature of Championship football a challenge.

Rodriguez is being reassured by former Mallorca and Newcastle defender Marcelino, who is an associate of the striker’s agent in Spain.

Marcelino helped with translation during Rodriguez’s arrival at Albion in January and had tough time himself when he arrived in English football in 1999.

Rodriguez said: “He helped us because my agent didn’t have experience in England and doesn’t speak the language.

“He helped me a huge amount in the first few days to be comfortable here.

“We still speak via texts and he tells me not to worry, that it is quite a big change to come here from Spain and he hopes in the end the hard work will bring its reward.”

Rodriguez hopes to get another chance to play before a big crowd at the Amex when Ipswich visit today although, if it comes, it is likely to be off the bench.

He said: “I’ve loved playing there. They are supporters who always support you and get behind you in difficult moments.

“I think that makes us a strong team at home.

“It is pretty clear that all teams who come here do so with not quite fear but with respect because they know we are playing well at home.

“I know Ipswich are a team who will do their work, make it difficult and they will be motivated because a good result takes them close to us.

“But we know if we win we will be in great position.”

Read David Rodriguez's assessment of his first seven weeks in England in The Argus today