ROBERTO Di Matteo claimed the only positive to come out of Albion's disappointing night against Nottingham Forest was the return of Ishmael Miller from long-term injury.
The Baggies striker was a surprise inclusion among the substitutes.
The only action he had previously seen in 13 months came during a 45-minute run-out in a training match against Port Vale four days ago.
But Miller stepped off the bench in the 77th minute against Forest to produce an all-action cameo that lifted everyone after the 3-1 home defeat.
"The only good news tonight was the return of Ishmael," said Di Matteo.
"He's been working hard to get back.
"We'll have to be careful with him because he's been out for over a year.
"And we can't count too much on him straight away.
"His rehab has gone really well and he's feeling good so we put him on the bench."
Di Matteo has also called for patience over new loan signing Gabriel Tamas after the Romanian international was thrown in at the deep end against Forest at centre-half.
"It was a difficult game for Gabi to step in for his debut," he added.
"He did all right but we need to work with him and the team.
"The other defenders need to get used to him and he needs to get used to the team."
The Baggies have also recruited young Canadian striker Marcus Haber from Vancouver Whitecaps this week.
But Di Matteo insists the 20-year-old is one for the future.
"Marcus is a young prospect and I wouldn't expect him to come into the first-team squad straight away," he added.
