Matthew Crowther profiled, award-winning midfielder handed West Brom start by James Morrison | OneFootball

Matthew Crowther was a surprise name in West Brom’s XI for the 3-0 behind-closed-doors win over Sheffield Wednesday, starting in midfield as James Morrison assessed his squad.

Morrison used different line-ups in each half, with 22 players involved and several academy prospects included. According to ExpressAndStar.com, five youngsters started, with only Crowther and defender Jamal Mohammed yet to make their senior debuts.

Crowther played the first 45 minutes and Albion led 2-0 at the break through Krystian Bielik and Jimmy-Jay Morgan. He is now with the senior group on their pre-season tour in Portugal.

A rangy, left-footed midfielder from Sunderland, Crowther was identified by Morrison during 2023/24 while the Scot was on academy staff, helped by a family link through their mothers. Previously playing Sunday league for Silksworth CW Juniors, he joined Albion at under-16s three years ago.

After a scholarship that summer, he rose quickly through under-18s and into the under-21s under Richard Beale, scoring early on at The Hawthorns aged 16. In summer 2024 he was named the club’s academy player of the season and helped the under-18s reach an FA Youth Cup quarter-final.

He signed his first professional contract 12 months ago, which runs until next summer. His first full under-21 campaign brought 12 Premier League 2 appearances, five more in domestic cups and outings in the Premier League International Cup, despite an injury lay-off from before Christmas to March. Coaches have praised his attitude, engine and development.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com