Albion newcomer Chris O’Grady is relieved to be up and running after revealing he signed while injured.

The former Barnsley striker made his debut in Saturday’s 2-1 friendly defeat at Peterborough.

O’Grady missed the previous game at Crawley last week following his £500,000 move from Oakwell.

He told The Argus: “I came in nursing bruised ribs from a pre-season game with Barnsley before we went to Italy. It’s never good to sign for a new team and to be in pain.

“I’m very happy to have shaken it off and to have got through the game. I’m feeling really good.”

O’Grady, 28, made an immediate impact, setting up Albion’s early goal for Shamir Fenelon.

“That’s what you have to do, show that you fit in and show what you can do,” he said. “I was pleased, obviously not with the result, but that I gave everything and showed a bit.”

O’Grady will make his first appearance at the Amex in Thursday night’s closing friendly against Southampton.

He said: “I’ve been there to sign but it was empty. It will be nice to see the fans there.”