"Special" West Brom man requires no extra motivation – boss

Carlos Corberan insists “special” Albion striker Josh Maja did not need any extra motivation brought by a six-month injury absence in his debut season.

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By Lewis Cox

Published Apr 24

Last updated Apr 24

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Josh Maja has endured an injury-hit debut season with Albion but is back available in time to help Albion seal a Championship play-off place (Photo by Adam Fradgley/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images).

The 25-year-old Nigerian has endured a challenging first term with the Baggies after Corberan made him last summer’s sole permanent addition as a free transfer.

Two serious ankle injuries, one at Bristol City in September and one at Sunderland in December which required surgery, have left Maja kicking his heels in the treatment room this season.

But the former Sunderland, Fulham and Bordeaux frontman is back in time for the final games of the Championship campaign and, should Albion seal their place, next month’s play-offs.

In Maja, head coach Corberan sees a player with a huge level of maturity and desire and does not believe the striker needed a long-term injury lay-off to provide added levels of determination.

“I don’t think he needed this, if I give you my opinion,” Corberan said.