Baggies new boy Sam Mantom wins praise

Coach Michael Appleton hailed the debut of rookie teenager Sam Mantom and praised the Baggies' back-up men for booking a place in the third round of the Carling Cup.

Appleton saw his former youth team charge give an assured display in midfield with the 18-year-old providing the cross for Pablo Ibanez's first Baggies goal.

And first team coach Appleton was pleased with the contribution of Mantom and the other fringe players on show.

Appleton said: "It was a good work out for us. We're trying to improve the squad and give some of the lads a run out.

"Sam Mantom was outstanding in his first game for the club. He's a good footballer and one of the lads we knew would mature later than others.

"He used to got knocked off the ball in youth team games but he went to Iceland in the summer and did well over there.

"He's got that ability to set up goals and that's why we put him on set-plays.

"When he's got players around him like Simon Cox and Steven Reid then he can link up with them.

"It's probably a bit early for him in terms of the Premier League, but there might be injuries, illnesses and other things and we might need him. But maturity-wise he's a bit behind the rest of the lads.

"Pablo did very well and scored a great goal. You don't play 20-odd games for Spain without being a good footballer.

"It might take him a few games to get used to the pace of English football but I'm sure he'll do well."

Appleton confirmed, meanwhile that the Baggies have not yet lodged another bid for Portsmouth midfielder Marc Wilson after having a second offer rejected last week.

He said: "We've put a second bid, they've not accepted it and that's where we are.

"I don't know whether there will be a third bid. He's a good player but they have their price and we have our price."

Orient boss Russell Slade admitted his side were second best to their Premier League visitors. He said: "It was 1-0 until the 90th minute and therefore we were always in with a shout, but chances were few and far between.

"That's down to the opposition as well and you have to give them credit. They're a Premier League side and they made life difficult for us."