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

West Brom opened pre-season with a 3-0 behind-closed-doors win over Sheffield Wednesday at St George’s Park, as James Morrison blended youth with experience.

ExpressAndStar.com reports the run-out doubled as auditions for academy prospects. Ollie Bostock missed out after Wales under-19s duty but joined the Portugal camp.

Centre-back Jamal Mohammed, 20, an imposing six foot five, ended last season on loan at Gloucester and has signed a new one-year deal. Midfielder Matty Crowther, 18, a former Sunderland Sunday player, earned a surprise start after 18 months with the under-21s.

Harry Whitwell, 21 in November, impressed on loan at Forest Green before injuries triggered a recall, and could seek another loan after pre-season. Cole Deeming, 19, a boyhood Baggie, finished last term at Cheltenham and may feature through pre-season and in EFL Cup ties before any decision.

Austria youth international Souleyman Mandey, 20, debuted on the final day at Sheffield Wednesday after prolific under-21 output. Full-back Alfie Maughan, 18, at the club since six, is noted for attacking intent and dead-ball quality.

Right-back Alex Williams, 21, debuted last August before injury, and with a deal to 2028 he will target regular minutes in a position where Albion lack options. Striker Jack Bray, 19, arrived from Harrogate last summer and, despite injuries, hit a double against Juventus and a March hat-trick versus Blues.

Goalkeepers Joe Wallis and Ben Cisse were unused substitutes.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com