ROBERTO Di Matteo was delighted to see Ishmael Miller crown his first start in 15 months with a goal in Albion's 3-2 win over Blackpool.

And he is hoping the big striker recovers from his exertions in time to play a part at Swansea on Tuesday (ko 7.45pm).

Miller levelled for the Baggies in the 13th minute, saw another effort cleared off the goalline and headed a great chance wide.

But his afternoon came to an end in the 62nd minute when he was forced off with a minor hamstring problem and was replaced by Roman Bednar, who made his return to action after missing the last three games with a groin injury.

"Ish got a knock but shouldn't be too bad," said Di Matteo.

"We'll see how he recovers from his first start in a long, long time and getting 62 minutes under his belt.

"We'll have to assess him in the next couple of days."

The Baggies boss was also pleased to see sub Giles Barnes make a vital contribution in his 45-minute run-out as he won the penalty 14 minutes from time that Graham Dorrans scored the winner from.

"He's another one that has been out for a long time and he just needs to be patient," Di Matteo added.

"The same goes for James Morrison, who I took off at half-time.

"It was his third game in eight days and it just takes time for these players to get back to full fitness."

Robert Koren again caught the eye with a carbon copy of his spectacular winner against Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.

And Di Matteo reckons today's effort from the man of the match was even better. 

"I thought Roko had an excellent game and scored a wonderful goal," said the Albion chief.

"I think today's goal was even better than Tuesday's because it was right in the top corner.

"It was a magnificent goal.

"You'd have to ask him if he is happy but the way he is playing makes me presume he is happy.

"It's been a long season and every player that has been left out at some stage has not been happy.

"It's about the success of the club, not individuals, and I think we've moved on from that.

"Roko's in fine form and we hope that can continue until the end of the season."

PIC: BITTER MILL FOR BLACKPOOL...Ishmael celebrates his equaliser