Express & Star

Darren Moore proud of Morgan Rogers debut for West Brom

Darren Moore believes 16-year-old debutant Morgan Rogers has a bright future ahead of him at Albion.

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Rogers went straight from school to join up with the senior squad before the FA Cup game against Brighton, and then came off the bench for his first Albion appearance.

Born in Halesowen, he's been with the Baggies since he was eight-years-old, and was first spotted by former Birmingham City player Paul Tait.

The highly-rated England under-17 international scored four goals for Albion's under-23s in a 6-2 victory over Norwich last week, and was rewarded with his first appearance for the senior side.

"There was some youngsters on the pitch who performed admirably for the team," said Moore.

"Young Morgan Rogers made his debut at 16, believe it or not he was at school until 3.15pm. He came straight from school and joined up with the squad.

"It's a wonderful story for him and his family and the academy. It's a proud night for us to see one so young make his debut amongst men."

Rogers was one of four academy graduates on the pitch on Wednesday.

Sam Field, 20, and Rekeem Harper, 18, each played 120 minutes, while Rayhaan Tulloch, 18, was also used as a substitute.

And the 16-year-old got into a good position to score in extra-time when Albion were trailing 2-1 to Brighton.

"It was Tuesday I felt he (Morgan) would be part of the squad," said Moore. "In the game I thought why not, let's bring him on now. Hopefully he'll grow into the game.

"The boy had a difficult chance, it came over his head, he might be disappointed, but it was hard for him to adjust his feet. Had he scored, the roof would have come off."

Rogers is just the latest player to emerge from Albion's flourishing academy.

Harper, who is out of contract in the summer, has played all of the last six games for the Baggies while Field has featured in five of those games.

Jonathan Leko, 19, and Kyle Edwards, 20, played in the original tie against Brighton and would have featured in the replay were they not injured.