Baggies still have their boing-boing to bounce back - Ryan

RYAN Mason insists he is as determined as ever to get Albion back on track.

- By DAN NEWBOULD

The Baggies suffered late heartache in the dying seconds to lose 1-0 at Charlton on Tuesday night and they will look to bounce back today against Oxford United.

Mason was forced to retire early from his playing career at the age of 26 as a result of a fractured skull, so he knows the importance of remaining strong. His philosophy remains undaunted.

"I've been in football long enough to understand there's ups and downs. Tuesday was a sickener," he said yesterday. "It was tough and I think, regardless of if you're a player, a fan, a head coach, when you lose at that time in a game it hurts but I'm fine. I'm as energised as ever, passionate, I have as much belief as ever in what we are doing here.