The former West Brom players lining up to hail Daryl Dike after emotional Preston goal

His story of injury woes and lengthy lay offs has been well told - and Albion fans are well aware of his struggles since a £7m move from Orlando City.

This season he has battled back into the picture, but was used sparingly by both Ryan Mason and Eric Ramsay.

However, under James Morrison he has started to play a big role.

Longer appearances from the bench have been coupled with a handful of starts - and he should have had a big say in the survival fight back on Good Friday.

Dike missed a guilt edged chance to win a thriller against Wrexham - but the opportunity passed him by.

However, against Preston he was not to be denied.

With Albion only holding a slender lead, Dike came off the bench to slam home a cut back from Jayson Molumby and spark jubilant scenes among the Albion fans behind the goal.

Dike’s emotions were let out in front of the travelling fans - as Albion moved five points clear of the drop zone.

They could potentially seal survival on Tuesday evening - and after the game Dike took to social media.

He posted photos of the celebrations with the line: “Worked so hard for that. Couldn’t be happier.”

Members of the current squad like Karlan Grant and Ollie Bostock were quick to praise the Albion striker - as were a string of his former team mates.

Grady Diangana, who left the club last summer and moved to Spain was one of the first to hail Dike.

Elsewhere, Cedric Kipre, currently on loan at Ipswich Town after a spell in France, also commented and praised the striker.

Callum Robinson, who has just earned promotion to the Championship with Cardiff City, also commented saying: “Deserved.” The pair had a brief spell together before Robinson left the club.

And ex-vice captain Conor Townsend, who himself has endured frustrating injury struggles this season at Ipswich, posted: “Quality mate.”

While Nathaniel Chalobah, who had an 18 month spell with Albion added: “Deserved brother.”