First-year scholar Ollie Bostock is keen to gain more exposure in the U21s ahead of their Premier League Cup group game against Blackburn Rovers on Monday evening (ko 7pm).
Richard Beale’s youngsters have seven points heading into their next Group B match at Keys Park, with just two matches remaining in order to secure passage to the knockout stages.
But with Monday’s opponents and Sheffield United both on the same points tally, the Baggies’ young pros will need maximum points if they’re to progress in the competition.
Attacker Bostock has made a good impression during PL2 games recently after making the step up from 18s football, and the 16-year-old is keen to make his mark with a goal contribution against Rovers.
“This is what I’ve wanted to do from the start of the season,” said Bostock.
“Playing 21s football was a goal I’d set and it’s been good to break through and get the exposure I need which will, hopefully, get me closer to the first team in the future.
“The first thing I think when I get the ball is, ‘can I go forward?’.
“Every time I’m on the ball I want to do something positive with it.
“It’s good to add something different to the team and we have different types of players in attack and I think it’s good that we compliment each other with our forward thinking.
“We’ve earned this opportunity because we work hard all the time and we’ve both (Bostock and Cole Deeming) taken our chances when they’ve come.
“Cole’s done well in the games he’s played and it’s important we push on now at this level.
“I’ve been playing well but goals are definitely something I’ll be looking to add into my game even more.
“Monday is, of course, an opportunity to put things right from the West Ham game but also an exciting chance to see what we can do in the PL Cup.
“It’s a different feeling compared with the league games and it’s one where things are often riding on one game and I’m looking forward to that increase in competitiveness against Blackburn.”
How to follow the match
Tickets will be available on the gate at Keys Park for Albion's PL Cup clash against Blackburn on Monday night.
They are priced at £5 adults and £1 concessions.
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 6.20pm.
