JONATHAN Leko is celebrating a new Albion deal with renewed ambition to bag a first-team spot in the 2018-19 campaign.
The 19-year-old will shortly head for holiday after extending his contract on improved terms which keeps him at The Hawthorns until at least 2021.
But his main focus this summer will be seizing the opportunity that is beckoning with the Baggies preparing for a Championship campaign under a Head Coach he knows only too well.
“Who else would you want in charge apart from Mooro’? says Jonathan.
“I’ve known him a long time and he’s a pleasure to work with. We’ve got a good relationship and he has always told me to express myself on the pitch.
“He will be a big influence. I’m buzzing for him that he has got the job and I can’t wait to work with him.”
The talented forward has the advantage of having already tasted the Championship during a half-season loan with Bristol City in the previous campaign.
He admits the rush of games caught him by surprise and that has prepared him for next season.
“There wasn’t as much rest as I would have liked - it was game after game in the Championship,” he said.
“Now that I know that I’m looking forward to it because I just want to play. The more games the better.
“I’m really happy to have signed this deal - I’ve been here since I was 11 and now I want to push on and get myself a regular first team place. I want to be more involved next season and become a first team starter. That’s my goal.”
