Teenage defender Nathan Ferguson has enjoyed the “best few months of his life” after breaking into Slaven Bilić’s first-team set-up.
The Birmingham-born 18-year-old caught the Croatian’s eye at the start of pre-season and has since impressed during Albion’s unbeaten start to the Sky Bet Championship campaign, playing in four of the five games.
The Academy graduate delivered a man-of-the-match display at the City Ground in the 2-1 win against Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season in what was his senior debut.
And having had a taste of life as a first-team player at the Club, Nathan is determined to keep working tirelessly to cement his place in Slaven’s side.
Ferguson said: “It’s certainly been a surreal experience so far for me this season.
“Things like being able to go into the first-team changing room every morning and get ready for training.
“The lads have been great and made me feel really welcome. Jake has always been there for me and Romaine Sawyers has been great since he has joined. I’m really happy to be here.
“It’s hard to put into words how much I am enjoying it. Everything. Training with the first team, being around the first team and the manager.
“It’s been really good. It’s definitely been the best few months of my life.
“I’ve had a taste of what being a first-team player is like and I want more and more of it.
“I had that little taste at the start of pre-season and then I played my first game at Nottingham Forest. I just want to keep on progressing and improving. I’ve got a real thirst to win games.
“I could never have imagined being in this position when I reported back for pre-season training at the end of June. However, it shows where hard work can get you.
“I would say that my performances have been good but I know there is room for plenty of improvement.
“I’ve been speaking to the manager a lot about my positioning, my delivery and my overall game. I am learning a lot from him, He’s a very good manager. He knows when it’s time to step in and step out.”
The promising youngster will be hoping to find himself in the starting XI on Saturday when Blackburn Rovers visit The Hawthorns.
And Ferguson admits the group are feeling confident having put together a strong unbeaten run.
“We haven’t won at home yet so it would be great to get a win at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
“I know Blackburn are a good team so we certainly won’t be complacent, but we will be confident given our unbeaten start to the league season.
“The atmosphere is good in the changing room. Everyone is happy and we want to keep it that way by winning games and extending our unbeaten run.”