JAMES Shan has challenged his players to build on their last two games by beating Stoke City in the Premier League 2 on Friday evening.
The game, taking place at St George’s Park, offers Albion’s under-23s the chance to make it three games unbeaten following a Birmingham Senior Cup win last week and a PL2 draw at Norwich on Sunday.
“The most recent couple of matches give us plenty of encouragement in terms of positive results,” said Shan.
“Last week we picked up a dominant victory, scored goals and had plenty of possession, and then we went to Carrow Road and weren't quite able to repeat that.
“I thought Norwich were more dominant than us, but we showed good character and determination to get a point. It gives us a platform to build on.
“Stoke have had a similar season to us in terms of their form and their results. I think they’re on a losing streak of four games now, so they’ll be looking at us and they will be targeting this game for a win - but we’re doing exactly the same.”
Shan also picked out goalkeeper Brad House for individual praise following an impressive showing in East Anglia on the weekend.
“Brad was excellent. He’s been a product of training really well and having his goalkeeping coach Mark Naylor sing his praises,” Shan added.
“With Alex Palmer going up into the first team for their game at Leicester, all Brad’s discipline and hard work came to the forefront on Sunday.
“So I’m really pleased for him. He’s probably been sat there a little bit frustrated but his patience has been rewarded and hopefully he can keep it up against Stoke.”