Pulis ready to give youth a chance
TONY Pulis has hinted two more of the club’s exciting youngsters may be thrust into first-team action before the end of the season.
The Baggies head coach handed Jonathan Leko his full debut against West Ham United at The Hawthorns last Saturday, with the 17-year-old winger earning praise for an impressive display.
Midfielder Sam Field and forward Tyler Roberts, alongside Leko, have been training with the senior group in recent weeks and Pulis could give them both an opportunity to showcase their talents on the Barclays Premier League stage.
He said: “There is a chance I might play the other youngsters against Bournemouth on Saturday.
“It was lovely getting Jon on the pitch and he had a fantastic debut.
“The three that have been with us for the last few weeks, Jonathan Leko, Sam Field and Tyler Roberts, have all been fantastic.
“All three have grown and have got better for being in with the group.
“Working with experienced players who have been around the block certainly helps and that is what these kids have to be exposed to.
“You have to give credit to Mark Harrison, Steve Hopcroft and other people in the academy.
“There is real talent there, but it’s not just talent that gets you through today – it’s your attitude and application.
“People have said that I am not a manager who plays young players.
“When I was at Stoke, Shawcross was captain at 19 and I also brought through Wilkisnon, Dickinson and Shotton.
“I’ll play youngsters, but I will only play them if they are good enough.”