Slaven Bilic: West Brom young guns must stay grounded

The 18-year-old academy product was the man of the match on his senior bow – Saturday’s 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest.

The right-back earned plenty of praise, while the City Ground clash was broadcast live on Sky Sports, but Bilic, although proud of Ferguson’s performance, did not want to shout from the rooftops about him.

“It’s not going to help him (praising him too much),” said Bilic. “I’ve seen it so many times (young players who get carried away), but I don’t doubt him. He is the one who is focused, he is the one who is listening.

“He ain’t going to get carried away, but we have to open our eyes like crazy – not only us but his family, his agent, his entourage, his friends – to keep him on the ground.”

Ferguson was given the nod ahead of new signing Darnell Furlong, who was an unused substitute, after some impressive displays over pre-season.

The defender, born in Birmingham, joined the club aged eight and has represented England at under-18 level.

Bilic, though, was keen to point out Ferguson is not the only one doing well in the first team after rising through the youth ranks. Kyle Edwards got on the scoresheet at the City Ground on Saturday, bringing the Baggies level after Matty Cash put Forest ahead. Matt Phillips then got the winner.

Rekeem Harper came off the bench towards the end too, while Jonathan Leko and Dara O’Shea were among the substitutes. “It’s not only Nathan doing well. We’ve got Kyle Edwards, Rekeem Harper, Jonathan Leko, Dara O’Shea,” said Bilic.

“We have some good young players, really good prospects.”