Darren Moore: Decision to keep Jay Rodriguez at West Brom has been justified
Baggies boss Darren Moore says Jay Rodriguez's performance on Saturday proves Albion were right to reject Burnley's £16m bid for him.
Rodriguez scored twice and had a hand in a third as Albion edged a seven-goal thriller with Norwich City to get their first Championship win of the season.
It came just two days after the transfer window shut and Rodriguez was denied a move back to his hometown club.
Albion wanted £20m for the striker, but there were concerns that the Baggies should have cashed in and spent the money on new players.
But Rodriguez has responded like a consummate professional and Moore says the decision to keep him was justified.
"Absolutely," said Moore. "We’re delighted to have him with us because that’s what he can bring.
"His two goals just showed what a quality player he is. But there’s so many things other than scoring goals that Jay brings to the team.
"His continuation as a West Brom player is really important."
Both of Rodriguez's goals owed a lot to his new strike partner Dwight Gayle, who won the penalty for his first and stole possession high up the pitch for his second.
Albion only have three strikers in their squad at the moment, but Gayle looked dangerous and Hal Robson-Kanu netted an important fourth off the bench.
"Hopefully the combination (of Gayle and Rodriguez) and the potential they have in this league and their record for scoring goals at this level will be crucial for us a team," said Moore.
"We’ve got a goal threat on the pitch, aided by (Matt) Phillips, (Harvey) Barnes and Hal.
"We’ve got a lot of players in offensive areas that can provide the service and if the strikers do get the service then we definitely carry a potent goal threat."
Rodriguez nearly scored a hat-trick at Carrow Road, but afterwards, he said getting the first win of the season over the line was the most important thing.
He says the Baggies are not yet the finished article, but is confident the majority of the squad has the right attitude.
"We've never doubted we have the character in the dressing room and throughout the team and staff, everyone believes we've got that character," said Rodriguez.
"It's just a case of getting back to work on Monday, putting a few things right and keep working.
"We're still learning. The Championship is an incredibly difficult league. A lot of teams here are fighting for the same thing.
"We want to make sure we keep getting these wins."
