The eight West Brom starlets handed a chance to impress by James Morrison | OneFootball

West Brom began pre-season with a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at St George’s Park, behind closed doors. James Morrison blended youth and experience to scrutinise his squad.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, the fixture doubled as auditions for academy prospects. Winger Ollie Bostock returned late from Wales under-19 Euros duty, so missed out, but has joined the Portugal training camp.

Centre-back Jamal Mohammed, 20, first touched senior contention under Carlos Corberan and, at six foot five, remains an imposing project, fresh from a loan at non-league Gloucester and a new one-year deal. Midfielder Matty Crowther, 18, was a surprise starter after excelling with the under-21s.

Harry Whitwell, 21 in November, impressed on loan at Forest Green in the National League before injury prompted a recall, and is likely to get another loan after pre-season. Cole Deeming, 19, ended last term at Cheltenham in League Two and could feature through pre-season and possibly in EFL Cup ties.

Austria youth international Souleyman Mandey, 20, made his senior debut on the final day at Sheffield Wednesday, his under-21 output hard to ignore. Full-back Alfie Maughan, 18, at the club since six, excites with forward thrust and set-piece delivery.

Right-back Alex Williams, 21, debuted last August before injury halted progress. Under contract until 2028, he will be keen to secure minutes with Albion short in his position. Striker Jack Bray, 19, arrived from Harrogate, scoring twice against Juventus and a hat-trick against Blues in March.

Goalkeepers Joe Wallis and Ben Cisse were unused substitutes.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com