Express & Star

Enthusiastic Souleyman Mandey looks handy for West Brom Under-21s

New Albion youth recruit Souleyman Mandey impressed on his full debut for Richard Beale's under-21s and looks set to become a key regular in the side.

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Richard Beale

Midfielder Mandey, who is not 18 until February, checked into the club's youth set-up after moving from Scottish giants Rangers just before the transfer deadline, and after netting once in a handful of outings for the under-18s was immediately promoted to under-21s football.

He came on at half-time as Beale's side were beaten 3-0 at Crystal Palace last week on the night Carlos Corberan's first team won at Coventry and earned a first start for the under-21s in Monday's 0-0 home draw against Reading at Keys Park in Hednesford.

A physical central midfielder, who stands well in excess of six foot, Austria youth international Mandey impressed in a dominant first half, while also showing a deft technical touch as Beale's junior Baggies out-performed their visitors, who are among the front-runners in Premier League 2.

Beale said of Mandey: "He's fearless. He's come in and plays with natural enthusiasm – and that is a key ingredient for me in any young player.