Sunday 28 September 2014 16:01, UK
West Brom striker Saido Berahino believes he is a changed man this season after returning to training early in the summer.
Berahino had a roller-coaster breakthrough campaign last season, which included a hat-trick in the League Cup, plus goals against Arsenal and Manchester United.
However, in April he was caught on camera inhaling laughing gas, a legal high, just weeks after a dressing room bust-up with James Morrison.
"Because my family are always pushing me, there wasn't a point last season when I felt, 'Wow, I've hit rock bottom here'. I always knew I could go again," he said ahead of Sunday's home game with Burnley in the Barclays Premier League.
"But I felt more alone than rock bottom. There was no-one I could go to in the club and get advice from.
"Things have changed as last season I don't think the seniors knew who I was.
"Now we've got that relationship, they understand me and I understand them.
"You mature quicker, playing a man's game, you have the senior lads that help you along with it as well.
"I would say maybe I learned that the harsh way last season. But I don't regret any of it, it's made me who I am now so I just look forward."
Last December's sacking of Steve Clarke affected Berahino and his form dropped under replacement Pepe Mel. He scored just three goals after Boxing Day as the Baggies beat the drop by just three points, finishing 17th.
Alan Irvine replaced Mel in June and has won back-to-back games ahead of the Clarets' visit.
Berahino scored a late winner in the 3-2 Capital One Cup victory over Hull on Wednesday and insisted new the head coach has rekindled his belief.
"Losing Steve Clarke kind of touched me, I kind of lost myself. Those things happen," he said.
"I have played under four managers now so I am learning each day.
"Alan has brought that self-belief back into me, I kind of lost that at the end of last season. And he's given me freedom to play and express myself which I think is really important.
"The more you talk to me the more we will get on and the more you will probably get out of me. I will know what you are looking for and I can show you what I can give."
Watch West Brom v Burnley live on Sky Sports 1 on Sunday from 4pm
