Matt Richards is urging his Albion team-mates to create their own history in the Premier League Cup when they face Sheffield United on Monday night (ko 7pm).
The young Baggies were successful in the competition during the 2021/22 season, defeating local rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers on penalties to lift the trophy at The Hawthorns.
Keys Park is where Richard Beale’s team begin their journey in the 23/24 tournament and after failing to reach the knockout stages of last year’s PL Cup, Albion are determined to raise their levels and push on this term.
Central midfielder and utility man Richards was one player involved in the trophy win back in 2022, and the 18-year-old is keen to use that experience to help breed more success and get off to a winning start when the U21s play the Blades in Staffordshire.
Richards said: “We won the competition a year or so ago and myself and a couple others here were involved in that as well.
“As a player you see that success and you’re dying to be part of a successful team like that in the future. So let’s hope we can do something special this year.
"Now we’ve got some new lads in the group and we all want to make an impression in the Premier League Cup because it’s another opportunity for us to impress and show what we’re all about.
“It was a tough one to take in our last game against Chelsea, but we’re looking to bounce back straight away on Monday.
“There’s a lot of competition for places and it just keeps pushing me to become a better player.
“I know every time I step out onto the pitch I have to perform. It’s been good becoming a full-time professional and while it’s also been a challenge, it’s been a good one for me.
“There’s still much more to come and I’m looking forward to showing that.”
How to follow the match
Tickets for the encounter are priced at £5 adults, £1 concessions, and will be available to purchase on the door at Keys Park on Monday night.
Free entry for season ticket holders is not available for this fixture.
WBA TV+ subscribers will be able to watch a live stream of the game here from 6.40pm.
