Alan Navarro is relishing the new season after completing his first full pre-season programme for two years.
The Albion midfielder had his pre-season cut short due to injury with MK Dons in 2008, followed by a disrupted programme last summer following the birth of his son.
However this year has been a different story, as he told seagulls.co.uk, "I'm happy the way that I'm coming through this pre-season, without any injuries, any niggles and I haven't missed a day.
"I've missed a few pre-seasons over the past few years so I'm just happy to get a full programme under my belt.
"I feel a lot different to last year. I feel fitter from just training with the other players, but also training on my own so I'm looking forward to the season starting now."
Buoyed by glowing praise from Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, following Albion's 1-1 draw with the Black Cats in the Algarve, Navarro is looking forward to proper competitive action at Swindon in a week's time.
He added, "We need to get off to a quick start because the start to last season killed us. If we carry on the way that we finished the season, hopefully we have a chance of some sort of play-off position or better.
"We have been talking amongst ourselves about how we finished the end of last season. From Christmas onwards we felt that we did really well, so a good start is important and if we can stay near the top around Christmas time, anything can happen.
"People have been talking about how poor our results have been in pre-season but that won't matter come the first game of the season. We will definitely be going for it this season."
Meanwhile, with seven new signings arriving at the Albion over the summer, the Liverpudlian is focused on cementing his place in a competitive Albion midfield.
"There are some quality, experienced players that have come in, and that can only help the team. There is a lot of competition in midfield but hopefully I can hold my own.
"If I can get in the team for the start of the season, get a couple of good performances under my belt, and stay fit, hopefully I can stay in there.
"The gaffer seemed to be happy with what I'm doing, so hopefully I will be on the teamsheet come the first game of the season."
