Josh Maja hopes for a fresh start with West Bromwich Albion after he netted a hat-trick in their 3-1 Championship win over Queens Park Rangers at the weekend, Afrosport reports.
The Nigerian striker was the Catalyst for the Baggies as he equalised after Lucas Anderden put QPR ahead before adding two more in the second half.
It marked a brilliant start for the 25-year-old who struggled for form last season when joined West Brom from Bordeaux, featuring just 12 times and scoring one goal.
“I’m really happy to have scored three goals and be available, especially because last season was a tough year for me,” Maja told the club website.
“We’re starting fresh. I’m fit and available, which is a blessing. Hopefully there are many more goals and wins to come.
“I was in the right place at the right time and I was clinical.
“It’s really pleasing to be able to show the fans what I can do and it was a pleasure to be out there. I’ve got to give a lot of credit to the gaffer and to my team-mates and to the staff who have helped me.
“I hope it is the start of something special.
“I thrive off goals and confidence. This will be a big boost for my confidence and I’ll take that into my next game.”
For your lock screens. 📲😎 pic.twitter.com/d1XnwE2RxQ
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) August 12, 2024
Reflecting on Maja, West Brom manager Carlos Corberan saidsaid: “Josh Maja has had a very good level of impact on the game because it is not easy to score three goals, and all three had a lot of quality.
“But with Josh Maja, after one season without playing many games, we have to manage his minutes well and this is one of the positions we need to strengthen because we need to protect every single player.”
Maja has been capped once for the Super Eagles, coming off the bench for Victor Osimhen in a 2-2 friendly draw with Ukraine on September 10, 2019.
