West Brom 'will need' Josh Maja after striker's encouraging return - boss

Last season's top goalscorer Maja, 26, has been sidelined since the beginning of January due to a stress injury in his leg which required an operation.

After a pre-season schedule of training with his senior colleagues, Maja returned to play the final 15 minutes of Tuesday night's EFL Cup first round penalty shootout defeat to Derby.

There was an optimism at the club Maja could become available for the new campaign and, with useful cup minutes under his belt, the striker is pushing for more action at ambitious Wrexham on Saturday lunchtime.

"It's been a long time, he had a big injury, a long time out," said Albion head coach Mason after Maja's cameo.

"We respect that - but at the same time, we need him. That's the reality of our situation. We need him.

"And I think it will do him a lot of confidence getting on the pitch tonight. We know his class. We know he can score goals for us and hopefully can help us."

Maja, who bagged 12 goals last season prior to being stricken by injury, showed a glimpse of his quality from the bench against the Rams.

He was denied by goalkeeper Josh Vickers after combining well with Jed Wallace.

Maja is one of Albion's striker options including Aune Heggebo - who opened his scoring account on Tuesday - Daryl Dike and Devante Cole. Dike is currently sidelined with another injury.

Heggebo finished from close range for his first Baggies goal and Tuesday's opener, which looked like sealing EFL Cup progression before the late sting.

The Norwegian £4.7million recruit turned home from six yards after Isaac Price's downward header.

"It important he scores that first goal," Mason added. "We hope he can score more for us. It's important that he scores and has that feeling on the pitch."