Ryan Mason's 'lift' explanation as to why an unfit Krystian Bielik was named on West Brom bench

The 27-year-old summer signing from Birmingham was an unused substitute for Monday's victory over QPR. Mason confirmed Bielik was not ready to feature, but was named in the matchday squad to help boost the morale of the squad.

Pole Bielik had missed the home Boxing Day defeat to Bristol City, where Mason was forced to name four outfield youngsters among his subs.

"Jayson (Molumby) has come back from an injury, Krystian wasn't fit to be on the bench, but we needed his personality," Mason told the Express & Star.

"We needed the character there. I think it gives the lads a lift seeing and feeling another man on the bench and part of it.

"Pricey (Isaac Price) hadn't trained since the game the other day (Boxing Day). He had sickness. So we literally had not seen him in a couple of days. We're not in a position at the minute where we can make four or five changes."

Mason is optimistic that the recovery time between Monday night's victory and Thursday's visit to Swansea can help Bielik be more ready to feature.

It took the former Blues skipper several months to have a run in Albion's side but he started four games in a row in December prior to the injury in Hull. 

"With the type of injury that Krystian's got, 24 hours is massive," Mason added. "So 48 hours ago it wouldn't have been possible to have him on the bench, but he's progressed quite a lot.

"He's still got his fitness because the injury only happened maybe 10 days ago. The fitness side isn't a problem. Hopefully when the pain eases and he's able to kick balls again from the ligament, he'll be available for us."

Mason named summer right-back recruit Alfie Gilchrist on the bench at Ipswich earlier this season despite Gilchrist not being fit to feature.