Youngster Cole Deeming believes goals have helped him settle into Albion’s PL2 team as they prepare for a quick turnaround against Middlesbrough on Friday night (ko 7pm).
The Baggies’ young pros return to league action at Heritage Park looking for back-to-back wins on their travels, having produced an impressive display to overcome Everton 3-1 during their last away match.
First-year scholar Deeming scored on Merseyside that night, and followed up his first start in the U21s with another goal earlier this week in the Premier League Cup against Blackburn Rovers.
A fine finish from @coledeeming8. 👌
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) January 23, 2024
Check out the highlights of our Premier League Cup triumph over @Rovers in full below. 🎥👇
A central midfielder, the 17-year-old has been on Albion’s books since the age of six and having already produced some impactful performances in Richard Beale’s team in recent weeks, Cole is hoping to play a part in another positive display against 'Boro on Friday.
“I’m over the moon with how things have gone recently,” said Deeming.
“I’ve been happy to get the opportunity from Bealey and the coaches. Not only have I been playing, but I’ve managed to add goals into my game as well.
“Getting starts at such a young age has been really good for me.
“I hadn’t scored any for the 18s this season but then it’s been two starts, two goals in the 21s. Those moments have really settled me and I’ve been a lot more comfortable.
“It’s made me think I’m not just a young player involved to come off the bench. I’m starting and it’s been good to make an impact for the team as well.
“I thought I’d end up in the 21s at some point but I didn’t think it would happen so quickly during my first year as a scholar. Maybe as a second-year I would’ve expected the chance, but I’m happy with how quickly it’s come around and it’s down to hard work and dedication.
“My left foot is obviously a big attribute, whether that be taking corners or set plays.
"I took the corner which helped Reece get our second goal against Blackburn in the last game, my free-kick against Everton which went in was a bit fortunate but if you try in those situations and they go in, you get the rewards for it.
“We need to push on in the league now because we’ve done well in the cup this week, but we’ve been a bit hit and miss in the PL2 this year so we’re looking to get three points on Friday to push up the league.
“Me and Ollie (Bostock) have both done well since we’ve come into the group but a good season for me would be starting more 21s games and carrying on contributing. This is my boyhood club and it would be a dream come true to push onto the next stage with Albion.”
