Mason believes Albion can mix it with the best

ALBION manager Ryan Mason says Friday night’s defeat at Championship leaders Middlesbrough re-enforced his belief they can compete.

- By DAN NEWBOULD

Goals in each half from Boro’s David Strelec and Kaly Sene were enough to seal a 2-1 win, striker Aune Heggebo claiming a late consolation for the Baggies.

Albion have now suffered back-to-back defeats after a promising start to the season and have a tricky-looking game with Leicester to come at The Hawthorns on Friday night.

"We know they were in a good moment but, if anything, it’s just re-enforced my belief in this squad and in this team that we can perform and we can compete," said Mason.

"My feeling during the game was that it was going to be a moment that dictated how the game went. That was true.