Kyle Edwards is relishing the opportunity to impress Head Coach Slaven Bilić in pre-season and propel himself into a more prominent role in the senior side.
The Academy graduate made 11 appearances and scored two goals in all competitions last season, including a stunning solo strike in the Baggies’ 1-0 win at Brentford in March.
Edwards, who spent time away with England at the Toulon Tournament in France over the summer, reported back for training on Monday – a week later than the majority of the first-team squad owing to his international commitments with the Young Lions.
But the 21-year-old attacker insists he is now fit, ready and determined to catch the Croatian’s eye during Albion’s preparations for the Sky Bet Championship campaign.
Edwards said: “It’s been a tough but good start to pre-season for me.
“Pre-season has been a little different for me. I came back a week later than most of the other players because of international duty in the summer.
“I have found the first few days a little harder than I was expecting if I am honest. We have been training in the morning and then running in the afternoon.
“Everyone else has been running for a week but I have just come straight back into it so it hits you quite hard.
“It hasn’t been too bad because I have obviously been playing and training in the summer, as well as doing my own stuff keeping myself fit.
“I feel fit. I haven’t had too much of a break really so I still feel pretty good.
“I think pre-season can be really important for me. A new manager has come in and he might have different views on different players. If I can impress straight away then hopefully I can have a run in the team.
“I have only been back a few days so I haven’t had chance to have a big talk with the manager yet. I have just introduced myself so far but I’m sure I’ll get chance to have a big chat with him.
“The training sessions have been good and there has been a very high tempo. Everyone has been encouraged to enjoy their time on the ball and work themselves hard. Everyone has liked the training.
“My target for the new season is to break into the team a lot more and start more games. I’d love to get a few more goals and contribute to the team a lot more than I did last season.”