GOAL hero Sam Baldock believes Glenn Murray is worth every penny of the £3 million Albion paid for him – even at 33.

Murray marked his return to the starting line-up at Barnsley with a powerful performance leading the line. Baldock profited with both goals in the 2-0 win which lifted Albion back to the top of the Championship and back on course for the Premier League.

Baldock told The Argus: “We said at half-time Glenn was really dominating the centre-halves and we felt we would get a lot of joy playing into him. After being out for a couple of games it was a fantastic response from him, like it was coming on against Burton and scoring.

“It’s the quality he gives us. He’s a quality player, that’s why the club paid that money for a 33-year-old. He has been good for us all season, so it’s good he is back to full fitness and sharpness.

“He knows and I know we’ve got Chuba (Akpom) and Tomer (Hemed) waiting to step in for whatever the gaffer decides.”

Albion made Murray’s return to the club on loan from Bournemouth permanent in the January transfer window.

Boss Chris Hughton recalled his 16-goal talisman, despite six goals in five games for Hemed.

Hughton said: “They are all big decisions when I decide to leave somebody out. I thought Glenn was excellent, back to his best.

“Ironically, he didn’t get any goals but somebody else benefited and that, of course, was Sam.”

Albion’s second win in five games took them two points clear of Newcastle, who will return to the top if they beat Aston Villa at home tonight.

Baldock said: “There’s been a lot of talk of a blip but we don’t really see it as that. We see it as the Championship, a really tough division. No team is going to win every game.

“It’s a really tough place to come (Barnsley). They are a good, attacking side and they’ve had some really good results of late, so it’s a pleasing result.”