Aston lad Rekeem Harper enjoys bragging rights after West Brom's derby win

Raised near Aston, the teenage sensation is a former pupil of Aston Manor Academy and has plenty of family and friends who are Villa fans.

He even used to go and watch games at Villa Park when he was younger, and spent the weekend gleefully reminding his nearest and dearest of the score.

"I'm from an area close to Aston, and when I signed for West Brom, it was 'we have to do better than the other side'," he revealed.

"I've got a lot of friends who are Villa fans, I went to a school called Aston Manor and obviously people in the area support their club.

"Because it's local to my house I've been to a few games with family when (Gabby) Agbonlahor was playing. I remember games with him.0

"There was probably a lot of them watching the game. My phone has been going off!"

Harper impressed during the 2-0 win over Villa, and has now played started eight of the last nine games for Albion.

Starting in a midfield three on Saturday, he was then moved forward into a false nine role at half-time, before finishing the game on the right wing.

"I thought I did well," he said. "I helped the team get up the pitch and defensively we were solid.

"Going forward I found myself a little new position as well, No.10, I liked it and enjoyed it. I'm just glad we got the win.

"I used to be a striker and I've played in the No.10 role before. I'll just do anything for the team.

"It's not hard for me to adapt back to that position. I know what the gaffer expects from me, if I make mistakes, I'll still try and do it because that's how you learn."

Harper has been given his chance by head coach Darren Moore, who worked with him in the academy.

"He just encourages you to play to your strengths," said the teenager. "If we do that, and come together as one, we're confident we can get the job done, whatever game we're playing."

And the youngster is relishing the opportunity to play alongside Gareth Barry, who already had 50 Premier League games under his belt before Harper was born.

"Gaz is just a legend, he's been around for ages," he said. "He always encourages me, if I make mistakes he tells me to keep going and be positive.

"I know if I work hard and I've got that around me I can keep improving."

Victory moved Albion to within four points of the top two, and Harper believes the Albion squad is a top-tier one.

"Obviously, we just want to be playing at the highest level," he said. "We've got the players to be in the Premier League so we just need to stay focused on the task at hand, and try and push for it. We'll take it a game at a time."