West Brom: Don Goodman reacts to 'heartbreaking' Daryl Dike developments at The Hawthorns

We're delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Don Goodman as our exclusive columnist. Each week he'll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns.

Don Goodman says keeping Daryl Dike fit could hold the key to West Brom earning promotion from the Championship this season.

Dike marked his return from a nine-month lay-off with a goal in the 4-1 FA Cup third-round win over Aldershot Town on Saturday (6 January).

That was the United States international's eighth goal for Albion since joining from Orlando City for £7.4million ($9.5m) [ESPN] in January 2022.

The American has been restricted to just 28 appearances for the Baggies across that period due to a succession of injury setbacks.

Having also missed three months with an injury sustained on his full debut for the club, Goodman has preached caution with Dike's latest return.

"We've seen that, when he's on the pitch, he's an absolute handful at Championship level," Goodman told West Brom News.

"The problem is, we haven't seen him on the pitch that much. They tried to nurse him back the last time he came back.

"It's heartbreaking for a player to get a big-money move to a big club, desperate to impress, then get injured very early on in proceedings.

"He's had to show real mental fortitude to fight and make sure he gets back and gives himself the best possible opportunity to stay fit.

"Ultimately, that's what it's all about - not about getting fit but staying fit.

"And if West Brom can keep him fit between now and the end of the season, then their goals tally will start to rise and improve. "

In other West Brom news, Adrian Goldberg has been left "baffled" by a transfer development at The Hawthorns.