Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo praised striker Roman Bednar after the Czech star made his long-await return from a drugs ban.

The 25-year-old played for more than an hour in his first appearance for more than three months and the head coach was pleased with his forward’s contribution.

Di Matteo said: “I think Roman did well. He has been out for a while, so it was a good game for him to start and get his match fitness back. I think he will get better with every game now.

“He is part of our plans.”

Summer signing Simon Cox snatched the late winner for the Baggies to avoid a penalty shoot-out.

Di Matteo is hoping the former Swindon striker’s first Baggies goal will prove to be a shot in the arm.

He said: “Strikers need goals to boost their confidence, so we hope that it will be the first of many to come from him.

“It is a long season so we will be patient and hope to see more goals.”

The head coach was impressed with the battling qualities of his side, after they went 3-2 behind in extra time.

He said: “It is always interesting to see your team play. A lot of stuff I liked and some I didn’t, as we conceded some sloppy goals.

“But on the other hand we showed good character and reaction and we kept going.

“Physically we were very strong in extra time and we kept going to the last minute. There was a sense of enjoyment at the end, rather than relief.

“We wanted to get through to the next round. Unfortunately we couldn’t do it within 90 minutes, so we had to go to extra-time. We are pleased we won eventually.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult game. Rotherham are in good form and have started the season really well.

“They play some good football as well and if you’re not on top of your own form life is difficult. The players that played are not fringe players. They are part of a group trying to achieve something and it’s always interesting to see them play in a competitive game.

“It was interesting. There were a few players I was very pleased with.”