West Brom striker backed to be a 'big help' after his arrival

Striker Heggebo, 24, has been Albion's leading summer recruit in a £4.7million move from SK Brann in his homeland of Norway.

He put in an eye-catching display as Mason's side signed off for pre-season with a 3-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano at The Hawthorns. It was a second start of the summer schedule for Heggebo and he gave a tireless display leading Albion's line.

Heggebo is expected to spearhead the Baggies' attack in the Championship curtain-raiser at home against Blackburn Rovers, managed by Valerien Ismael, on Saturday.

"He's a strong boy. He's honest and he's a goalscorer as well," said head coach Mason.

"So I'm sure he's going to be a big help for us this season. But we need everyone.

"It's not really just about individuals, it's about having a squad - a squad of players ready to compete every three days."

Heggebo, who is from the city of Bergen and grew up representing his boyhood club in Brann, enjoyed a decent scoring record in the Norwegian top flight and departed the club with 50 goals in 145 games.

He is left-footed and brings a balance to Mason's attack - and is likely to be leaned on to start the season with Daryl Dike injured until September and Jose Maja's fitness up in the air.

Mason added of Heggebo's display against Vallecano: "Bo played a fantastic match. He didn't score but he was there, present, with the team - and the more people you can have like that the better."

Albion's only other senior striker is Devante Cole, who was seldom used after arriving last summer.

Meanwhile, young Baggies frontman Eseosa Sule has returned from his loan club Motherwell to complete rehabilitation from an injury.