Interviews

Shan: Opportunity knocks for ‘talented’ youngsters

FIRST-TEAM Coach Jimmy Shan is confident the Club has a plethora of young talent in its midst - and has called on the group to push for a place in Darren Moore’s plans.

A host of Academy players, who were nurtured by Shan and Moore during their time with the under-23s, have joined up with the first-team for a six-day training camp in Portugal.  

And Jimmy is certain the players in question can stake their claim during pre-season because, as he puts it, “talent can't be ignored”.

“This trip gives them a fantastic opportunity to hit the ground running,” he said.

“With the physical sessions they have a chance to be front-runners. 

“Then when the friendlies come they’ll have the chance to get game time so it’s a wonderful opportunity for them, at the start, when everybody has come back in at pretty much the same level.

“The gaffer has inside knowledge of the players and knows what they are like as players and as characters and their strengths and weaknesses.

“If he knows where they need to improve it can only benefit the young players. 

“100 per cent these players can make it through to the first-team. We’ve got some real young talent. 

“I’ve always said that talent can’t be ignored but also that talent needs to meet opportunity. 

“They’ve got the opportunity over the next few weeks to put themselves right in the gaffer’s thoughts.

“It’s about grasping that opportunity - they’ve been given it now - hopefully they can fully grab hold of it and show their potential.”

To watch a full, in-depth interview with Jimmy, click on the video above. All WBA TV interviews are free to view. 

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