West Bromwich Albion manager Darren Moore may add some of the club’s talented youngsters to the first-team squad next season, according to The Express & Star.
The outlet claims that Moore was impressed by the performances of the youngsters in their 3-0 pre-season friendly win at Barnet and could give them an opportunity in the first-team next season.
The West Brom boss singled out central defender Jack Fitzwater and winger Kyle Edwards for praise, while full-back Kane Wilson also impressed during the win.
20-year-old Fitzwater is a composed central defender who spent time on-loan at League Two side Forest Green Rovers and League One side Walsall last season, he made a total of 34 appearances for both clubs, scoring four goals (TransferMarkt).
Both 20-year-old rapid winger Edwards and 18-year-old marauding full-back Wilson spent time on-loan at League Two side Exeter City last season. Edwards made 27 appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist (TransferMarkt) while Wilson made 22 appearances scoring one and assisting one (TransferMarkt).
OPINION
Darren Moore faces an uphill task with West Brom this season. With most of his players probably wanting out, due to the club’s relegation from the Premier League last season, he has to try and keep the bulk of his squad together and plan for possible new arrivals, which is not easy. So far the club have signed just one player, goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Manchester United, and while that’s a good signing more need to arrive if The Baggies are to challenge for promotion next season. If some of the talented youngsters can step up to the plate and help him out when he’s short on numbers, that would be great, but he can’t be left in a position where he’s having to put all the pressure on the youngsters to get results. New additions are needed, and quickly, or West Brom could be staying in the Championship for the long-haul.