Darren Moore won’t rush West Brom youngsters

The Baggies have a host of promising youngsters amongst their ranks including England youth internationals Sam Field, Kyle Edwards and Rekeem Harper.

Moore has come in for criticism at times this season for not playing his up-and-coming stars enough.

But while he says they are good enough to play, the boss feels you have to be careful when you expose youngsters to first-team football – with every player coping with the expectation differently.

“I’ve worked with them in the academy and pushed them on and continue to push them on now,” Moore said

“They are around the fringes of the first-team now.

“They’ve been in the team and they’ve started. They are good enough and they’re added in with the experienced boys,” the former defender added.

“Part of developing the player is getting the process right to playing regular and consistent football, there’s a huge demand on your body physically and mentally.

“Stepping into an arena and playing in front of 25,000-to-28,000 takes a mental toll.

“Sometimes you have to drip feed them in and then they’re ready for consistent games. Sometimes you give them consistent games and then take them out, sometimes you send them on loan, it’s all part of their development.”

Moore says he has an excellent relationship with all Albion’s youngsters.

“I know them as individuals, I know their family backgrounds,” he added. “They are now vying for a starting place, it’s a competitive squad and they’re part of it. It’s great to see them make that transition from academy to first team.

“If the opportunity is right and they’re the right fit for the game I’ve got no problem playing them at all.”