West Bromwich Albion defender Chris Mepham has declared the best is yet to come after returning from a hamstring injury that he described as the "most frustrating" of his career.

Mepham's first Championship start since being forced off against Stoke in February came in Saturday's 1-0 win over Watford — Albion's first clean sheet of the season.

The Wales international, who joined from Bournemouth ahead of last season, has 55 international caps. He told BBC Radio WM that watching from the sidelines during Albion's battle against relegation under James Morrison following Eric Ramsay's sacking was particularly difficult.

Long recovery frustrating

"It was really tough," Mepham said. "I've had a few injuries in my career, but I think 100% that was the most frustrating and difficult by far."

He explained the feeling of helplessness while unable to contribute as his teammates played Championship matches. "It's the lads going out there putting their bodies on the line every Saturday and Tuesday and to be sat in the physio's room was a tough place for me."

Fighting for his place

The 28-year-old had fallen behind captain George Campbell and Nat Phillips in the centre-half pecking order. Before Saturday, he had only featured in two stoppage-time cameos off the bench in the Championship this season, though he started the Carabao Cup defeat against Newcastle last month.

Mepham said he would not complain about the competition for places. "I like to think we've all got our own individual qualities; we're all different in our own way. For me today it was just about giving the manager as big a headache as possible."

He added: "We've made a really strong start, so I don't think there are any complaints from my side, but we're all pushing each other; and that's how it should be. We really respect each other, we've got a really good relationship."

"I've been in this position before, and there's so many games, and your opportunity might come around quicker than what you might think," Mepham said.

The win moves West Bromwich Albion to fifth in the Championship.