Ryan Mason wary West Brom are 'respectful' of Josh Maja circumstance after scoring comeback
Boss Ryan Mason admitted Albion will continue to be mindful of Josh Maja's lengthy absence after his midweek match-winning heroics.
Striker Maja, last season's 12-goal top scorer despite spending the entire second half of the campaign injured, returned as a starter with the only goal at Norwich on Wednesday.
It has been a long road back to fitness for the Albion frontman, who underwent surgery on a stress injury in his lower leg in January and despite working throughout the summer had to wait until the first day of October to be selected in Mason's XI.
Maja, who has entered the final year of his contract, started the move and took his goal well and Mason has claimed he remains an important player moving forward - but patience will still be required as he builds up more minutes, with Aune Heggebo set for a starting recall at Millwall on Saturday.
"First of all, we're happy that he got through it from a physical point of view," Mason told the Express & Star.
"We've been patient with him and I think it's allowed us to get to a point where he's been able to start a game.
"We know he can contribute and he did that, so we're really happy for him to see the ball hit the back of the net.
"I think it's going to give him a nice feeling because he's had a hell of a long time out and we need to respect that still.
"Very pleased with him, pleased with everyone because it was a team effort and we can go home happy."
Prior to his first start in just under 10 months Maja had six cameo appearances as Albion managed his return. He played an hour at Carrow Road before the pre-planned change.
His cool 20th-minute winner was a first goal since New Year's Day, a full 10 months on from his previous.
Maja told BBC WM after his winner: "I hope to keep scoring goals for the team. It is hard to explain, it definitely came with a rush and that is something I felt a few times in season.
"Obviously we've started the season quite well and I've been coming off the back of an injury and I didn't have a (full) pre-season which didn't help.
"At the same time my job is to train well and be ready when I can and the staff have been amazing to get me as ready as possible."
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