CHRIS Wood is hoping he has done enough to hang onto his place after what he described as a 'jaw-dropping' decision to start him in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Newcastle.

The 17-year-old striker only discovered he was part of Roberto Di Matteo's opening-day XI on the morning of the game.

But he overcame his initial shock and nerves to produce an impressive 81-minute display - and on his full professional debut - prove a real handful for experienced Argentina international Fabricio Coloccini.

"I found out on the morning in the team meeting when we went down to the training ground," said Wood.

"I saw my number up and it was very exciting.

"I had no idea.

"I thought maybe I could get on the bench but to see my name in the starting line-up was an amazing feeling.

"My reaction was one of shock.

"When my name came up I just sat there and my jaw dropped - it's a big achievement playing against Newcastle in the first game of the season at home. It was good.

"It worked pretty well.

"I did as I was told and I think I held the ball up well.

"The Championship was harder than I expected.

"Having seen the Premier League I thought dropping down may be a lower standard but the intensity and physicality was still there, up there with the Premier League.

"I want to stay in and around the first-team.

"Hopefully I can kick on, get some more games and see what happens."

Wood could have made it a dream debut had he found the back of net with the rebound from Robert Koren's 57th-minute effort.

But he refused to be fazed by that after listening to the advice of his more experienced team-mates.

"My eyes lit up when the ball came to me," he added.

"Maybe I should have shown more composure, the lads were saying that would come with experience."

The New Zealand international has two-leg qualifier against Bahrain or Saudi Arabia to look forward to in October and November for a place in next summer's World Cup.

But he insists his sights are set firmly on establishing himself as a pro at The Hawthorns and helping the Baggies bounce straight back to the Barclays Premier League.

"I thought we showed against Newcastle we're a force to be reckoned with," said Wood.

"It's disappointing we didn't get more out of the game but positive we did get something.

"All of the teams are tough and I think both clubs will be main contenders.

"The new boss has come in, told us what he wants to do, and how he wants to play.

"Promotion is my main aim.

"The Confederations Cup was an amazing experience.

"Playing for your country is a great achievement and I want to be involved in those two qualifiers - but I want to do well for my club."