Canadian Marcus Haber aims to impress West Bromwich Albion fans

Jan 17 2010 by Andy Walker, Sunday Mercury

West Brom new boy Marcus Haber is aiming to follow in the footsteps of Paul Peschisolido and become the latest Canadian to win over the hearts of the Hawthorns faithful.

The 21-year-old striker was snapped up for a nominal fee from United Soccer Leagues First Division outfit Vancouver Whitecaps having impressed during a four-day trial in November.

And by agreeing to join promotion-chasing Albion, Haber has become the latest in a long line of Canadians to don the famous blue and white stripes.

The most notable of those was fellow striker and current Burton boss Peschisolido, who spent just over a season at the Hawthorns in the mid-1990s.

The ex-Blues man also managed to chalk up over 50 caps for his country, another ambition for Haber, who has already represented Canada from under-17 to under-23 level.

Although Haber has never met Pesch, he’s fully aware of the reputation he gained as a goal-scorer and is now eager to repeat the feats of his compatriot.

“I remember him playing for Canada and playing over here before me,” said Vancouver-born Haber, who spent time in the Dutch top flight with FC Groningen. “He was a good player and it would be great to follow in his footsteps. I’ve just got to try to work hard every day.

“I’m sure there is a big West Brom following in Canada. When you have players coming abroad, people definitely take notice and follow the club.

“I’ve never met Peschisolido personally but I’ve watched him play for the national team a few times. I looked up to him, he was a good striker and goal-scorer. I don’t know if he was similar to me in terms of style but he was still a good player.”

Not only has Haber become the latest Canadian to sign for Albion, he’s also helped continue an on-going relationship between the Baggies and Vancouver Whitecaps.