Okay Yokuslu described Thursday night as a “special” one as he bagged a brace to help the Baggies to a seventh victory in eight Sky Bet Championship matches.
The Turkish midfielder produced two exceptional finishes against Preston North End, one in each half, with Albion’s 2-0 triumph moving them to within one point of the top six.
Yokuslu delivered a terrific, all-action display in the middle of the park – one of several magnificent performers in Albion colours at The Hawthorns.
And Okay says confidence in the camp is growing game-by-game and hopes the Baggies can keep building momentum.
Yokuslu said: “First of all I am very happy because we have won the game. It was another important game.
“As you know, we are now climbing the league and wanted to try and keep the momentum going, which we managed to do.
“I scored two goals and I’m happy to help the team. It was a special night for me.
“I would like to thank all my team-mates and staff because they were amazing. I have to thank the fans too because the stadium was full and we felt their support.
“For my first goal, I started dribbling and there was a moment when I thought it would be a good option to shoot. I tried my luck and thankfully it went into the bottom corner.
“For my second goal, I think one of our most powerful strengths is pressing high. The coach is always telling us as midfielders to press when it’s right and we were doing what we’ve been training on in the week.
“We were able to win the ball back high and I was there to support John Swift. I thought he was going to shoot, but thankfully he passed to me and I managed to score.
“I have never scored a hat-trick in a game before, but I was thinking that if there was a penalty I would have wanted to take it. I don’t think they would have let me take it though.
“The most important thing though is to get three points and we’re so happy to go into 2023 with a big victory.
“Confidence is really high and our confidence is building each game because we keep winning.
“We’re trying to keep the momentum going. You can see that the players coming on from the bench are having a big impact.
“The team is showing great personality at the moment and I hope it can continue.”
