Jack Hinshelwood wants to play a huge part in Albion's busy weeks ahead after making a triumphant return to action.
The midfielder scored the winner at home to Brentford for the second time in three seasons, this time on his comeback from an ankle injury.
As in 2023-24, his finish in front of the North Stand secured a 2-1 success from 1-0 down and it was followed by similar post-match celebrations.
Hinshelwood was injured just a few seconds into the defeat at Bournemouth but was sent on for the final half-hour on Saturday.
He said: “I obviously had an unlucky moment at Bournemouth, which led to me rupturing a few ligaments in my ankle.
“I spent the last ten weeks working hard to get back fit but I think I've come back stronger and physically in a good way.
“I need to build up my fitness now over the next few weeks but I've come back at a good time.
“I'm looking forward to the Christmas period and to helping the boys.
“When you're out, you obviously can't get better on the pitch but, off the pitch, I've got better.
“I think I've got stronger in the gym and felt sharper when I'm coming back.
“It has been a positive period as much as it's obviously a tough period.”
Hinshelwood spread play wide to the right to Yankuba Minteh before following up for his winner.
He said: “I know Minteh is an outlet for us and I just tried to spread the play and followed it up and it fell nicely for me on the edge.
“It probably wasn't the cleanest of strikes but, if I strike it clean, it might not go in. So I wouldn't change it.
“You know when we play Brentford, it's going to be a tough game.
“It probably wasn't the prettiest game but I think in the first half we definitely weren't at our best.
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“In the second half, I think we just scrapped a lot better and the togetherness we showed to get back in the game was unbelievable.
“If we can keep that character and togetherness going forward, I think this next period is going to be really exciting for us and we've got a lot of opportunities this season.”
Bart Verbruggen’s injury-time penalty save from Igor Thiago ensured Hinshelwood’s goal and Danny Welbeck’s earlier expert finish were worth three points.
Hinshelwood said: “You spend ten weeks watching the boys and supporting them on and then, all of a sudden, I'm back in the mix and get an important goal.
“But not as important as Bart's save at the end, so I'm delighted for him.”
