Tony Pulis keen to blood West Brom youngsters
Albion boss Tony Pulis would like to integrate 'three or four' academy players into the first team this season.
The Baggies head coach has been casting a watchful eye over several of the club's hottest young prospects in pre-season.
Jonathan Leko, Tyler Roberts, Sam Field, Jack Fitzwater, Kyle Howkins and Kane Wilson have all been given minutes on the pitch.
Pulis has previously described Albion's academy as the most talented he's worked with in 24 years of management. And he's been impressed with the way the teenagers have stepped up.
"Hopefully we can integrate three or four of them this year and keep them with us," he said.
"Or if we decide they're not going to get games, then get them out and get them playing. Kane's done well since he's come with us, we've been really pleased with him.
"Tyler's done well when he's come on too.
"Obviously Jon did well last year so there are some good kids in the academy."
So far this pre-season, Leko has been featuring in what looks like Pulis's first choice XI, sparking hope among supporters that the 17-year-old may be able to keep his place in the team come the start of the season.
The teenage talent started the final three games of last season, but Pulis has made no guarantees that he will be kept at The Hawthorns.
If Leko, or any of the other youngsters he's keen on, are not getting minutes in the first team, the Welshman wants to send them out on loan to lower league clubs in order to toughen them up.
"The most important thing for me is the kids' development," he said.
"If it means they can play for us, brilliant, if they can't, get them out and get them some experience with the other clubs in lower leagues because there's nothing better than that."
With the need for first team experience in mind, Roberts, 17, yesterday joined League One Oxford United on loan until January.
Goalkeeper Ethan Ross, 19, has returned on loan to National League North side Worcester City for the first half of the season.
Free agent Leon Best is training with the Baggies at the moment in order to keep fit.
The 29-year-old striker needed somewhere to train and Albion decided to help him out.
