Baggies head to Molineux on Friday night
BAGGIES Premier League 2 boss James Shan expects there to be plenty of “added spice” when they face local rivals Wolves on Friday night.
Albion, who secured a 2-1 victory over Fulham on Monday evening, will be looking to claim the bragging rights when they take on their neighbours at Molineux (ko 7pm).
The previous three meetings between the two sides at this level have all ended goalless but Shan is confident his players can earn their second win in a week.
He said: “The game should have an added edge to it with it being a local derby against Wolves.
“I have felt in previous years that they have wanted it more than us.
“If we can take the same work ethic, mentality and desire from Monday night against Fulham into the game at Molineux then I’m sure we will be fine.
“It’s important that there is added spice because they are going to get that in their senior careers so it’s important for their development.”
The Baggies have eight members of the squad out on loan and may have to elevate players from the Under-18 squad just as they did on Monday against Fulham.
Shan admits the situation isn’t ideal but believes having so many of the boys out gaining first-team experience is a real positive.
He said: “Our Premier League 2 squad is quite bare at the moment because we have eight boys out on loan and a few others pushing for places in the first-team.
“It’s not ideal having such a thin squad especially with the Under-18s having a game on Saturday morning as well.
“We may have to take a few from that squad for our match.
“Not having a big volume of players is a slight concern but it is also a concern that has a positive spin because we have three boys involved with the first-team and eight out on loan.
“We just have to get on with it.”