Fantastic finisher adds to his game

EYEBROWS were raised when West Brom sold Brandon Thomas-Asante to fund a deal for winger Mikey Johnston last month.

- Chris Dunlavy

The Baggies were left looking decidedly light up front, but if Josh Maja can sustain his blistering early season form - and stay injury-free - then any worries about a lack of firepower will be quickly forgotten.

Pre-weekend, Maja had scored six times in as many Championship appearances this season, including an opening-day hat-trick against QPR. An additional assist meant the Lewisham-born Nigeria international had been involved in 70 per cent of his team’s goals.

“We knew Josh was a good player, but I don’t think anyone expected him to start the season like this,” admitted Baggies midfielder John Swift. “The stuff he’s been doing, dropping off in the pockets but also getting in behind and getting goals - he’s worked as hard as anyone.”

In fairness, the 25-year-old’s ability to score goals has never been in doubt. Those instincts were evident from his days in the youth teams at Crystal Palace, Fulham and Manchester City, and spotted by arch-predator Jermain Defoe during a breakout three-year spell at Sunderland.