Darren Moore: Dwight Gayle will build on first goal for West Brom

Gayle got off the mark in the 7-1 thrashing of Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, notching Albion’s fourth goal of the game during a rampant second half.

It was nothing less than he deserved after some eye-catching performances both at Norwich and off the bench at Nottingham Forest.

Gayle has won three penalties for Albion in the past two games, which is more than the whole club was awarded in its previous two seasons in the Premier League.

And Moore has praised the Newcastle loanee’s tenacity in the final third.

“He persevered and got his goal in the end and we’re delighted for Dwight,” said Moore. “All the games he’s been involved in, he’s been in the thick of the action in terms of winning penalties, and hitting the post at Forest.

“He’s always a threat to the opposition. That’s a sign of a good striker, when you’re always a threat and always in the game.

“He won two penalties and scored a goal (against QPR), worked tirelessly for the team and got a standing ovation and rightly so. He’s definitely added to the squad.”

Gayle’s ability to win penalties has helped Jay Rodriguez have a fruitful start to the season, because his strike partner has clinically converted all three.

“I’m pleased with Jay,” said Moore. “He’s a good player and we know the attributes he has.

“Jay’s happy to be here. We want him scoring goals for West Brom and long may that continue.”

Earlier this week, Gayle visited William Bayley, a seven-year-old Albion fan who is undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of two, alongside Baggies captain Chris Brunt.

The pair played football with William in his back garden before giving him a new shirt and tickets to the next home game against Stoke.

It was part of the club’s ‘Albion Stars’ programme, which recognises supporters who have gone above and beyond in their support or are experiencing a tough time.

To nominate an Albion star, email stars@wbafc.co.uk with who you’re putting forward and why.

Brunt and Gayle weren't the only players out in the community this week.

Ahmed Hegazi, Sam Johnstone, James Morrison, Hal Robson-Kanu and Oli Burke visited Oak Park soccer school in Walsall.

Jonathan Leko, Matt Phillips, Alex Palmer, Rekeem Harper, Gareth Barry and Craig Dawson visited children at a multi-sports camp in the West Bromwich Albion Sports Hall.

Sam Field, Jay Rodriguez, Jake Livermore and Kieran Gibbs attended a soccer camp in Redhill.

Harvey Barnes, Kyle Bartley and Boaz Myhill took part in a Q&A for sponsors and partners at The Hawthorns.

Jonathan Bond, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Conor Townsend attended a soccer camp at St Joseph's School in Droitwich.