Paul Scharner was linked with moves to several Premier League clubs

Paul Scharner has revealed he joined West Bromwich Albion with the promise that he would be played in his favoured position in the centre of midfield.

Scharner, 30, told BBC WM: "I decided before the transfer window that I wanted to focus on one position.

"I decided on midfield. The manager [Roberto Di Matteo] gave me that position and I want to prove that it's the right position for me."

Scharner left Wigan in the summer after four-and-a-half years with the club.

Several Premier League sides showed an interest in signing the Austria international, before he completed his free transfer to the Hawthorns on Monday.

Scharner was often used as a defender at the DW Stadium and he admitted that his versatility had made it more difficult for him to improve.

I'm looking forward to the first game because it should be a tough one Paul Scharner

"It's always difficult when you are two-minded, either as a centre-back or as a midfielder," he continued. "For me there is a big difference in both positions.

"I decided on midfield because of my attacking power and I want to show everyone that it's the right position for me. It will be tough, of course, but I'm quite confident.

"I am the player with the most appearances in the Premier League [for Wigan] and I had a really great connection with the supporters.

"They created a song for me and after four-and-a-half years it was a very emotional exit."

The former Brann player has been training alone during the summer in an effort to keep fit, and is hopeful of being involved in Albion's next Premier League fixture against Tottenham on 11 September.

"I tried really, really hard to get very fit for a new challenge," said Scharner. "I had an eight-week pre-season with different conditioning coaches and my private technique coach.

"It all went very well, I just need to get up to match-fitness but I'm looking forward to the first game because it should be a tough one."

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