Russell Martin held talks with Michael Obafemi following his return to Swansea City over the striker's goal celebration for Republic of Ireland during the international break.
The forward has not started any of the Swans' last four matches following late transfer interest from Burnley in the summer window. Martin stressed that the 22-year-old needed to rediscover his best form to be worth a place in his plans again.
He starred for Stephen Kenny's side earlier this week by scoring what was his second international goal in a 3-2 win over Armenia at the Aviva Stadium.
Obafemi celebrated by blocking both of his ears with his fingers, but head coach Martin says he has no concerns with the frontman's actions after his stunning strike.
"We had a chat. What he meant by it is that there’s been so much noise in the media and stuff, he just wanted to play football," said the Swansea boss.
"That was his way of saying, just block it all out and do what he wants to do which is play and score goals. Michael is Michael, we said all the way along, we really enjoy Michael when he’s at his best.
"Every young person, it’s up and down, and he’s had a fair few ups and downs but I've got no worries with how he celebrates a goal, it was a brilliant goal. If he wants to show people he’s blocking out the noise from whatever angle it comes from, then that’s fine.
"His frame of mind has been fine, it’s just about deserving a place in the team and the squad. He was back in the squad for the Hull game which was great, he had really good energy in training.
"He’s carried that into the Ireland squad. I watched both games and I thought he was great. We're really pleased for him, and it’s good for us that he went and got some minutes as well so I think Michael comes back here in a better place and much more ready to contribute for us."
Swansea return to action against West Brom this weekend - with Steve Bruce's outfit desperate for points having won just one of their opening 10 Championship matches of the season.
The Swans did the double over the Baggies last term and will be backed by more than 1,500 supporters at The Hawthorns Stadium on Saturday. They will be without Jamie Paterson due to injury, although Joel Latibeaudiere and Joe Allen are both expected to be in the squad.
"Joe is back in training. He’s been great," said Martin. "We’ve got to assess if tomorrow is the right time for him to start the game or not.
"He’s looked good in training. We were hopeful after the [Hull] game that it was only a minor one which it was.
"Liam Cullen is very close to being back in training. He's done some great work with the medical department and the sports science team.
"Pato, it’s a frustrating one really, he’s been in and out. He’s tried to battle through an injury which he’s had on and off persistently through pre-season.
"Credit to him, he’s tried to battle through but we weren’t quite getting the best out of him. He’s had some treatment, he’s been to London to see a specialist so hopefully we can get him in a good place in a week or two.
"Joel Latibeaudiere is back in the squad. He’s been training for a good couple of weeks and it’ll be great to have him back in."
Kick-off in the Midlands is at 3pm on Saturday.
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