Improving their league form will be the target for Albion’s Under-21s during their next Premier League 2 match away at Blackburn Rovers on Friday afternoon (ko 1pm).
Although the club’s academy hopefuls are unbeaten from their last two matches in the PL Cup, the league form shows they are without a victory since September.
Still, clear progression and plenty of opportunities have been created during recent encounters, and PDP boss Richard Beale will hope his youngsters can capitalise on more of them against Rovers in Lancashire.
Last time out
Derby County saw off the young Baggies 4-1 in their last league clash.
Second-year scholar Dan Chimeziri notched his first 21s goal against the Rams, and while it was a night to forget, there were plenty of lessons for the academy hopefuls to learn from.
A first #PL2 goal for Dan Chimeziri on Friday evening. 👏 pic.twitter.com/fpa9VCskrD
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) November 3, 2024
Venue
Blackburn’s training ground will host this Friday’s PL2 match against Albion.
Pre-match thoughts
Centre-back Michael Parker made his second start in Premier League youth competitions last time out, and he’s intent on making sure more come his way in the coming weeks.
The defender, who had trialed with the Baggies in the past prior to signing a one-year deal this summer, has had to bide his time for starts under Beale this term.
Still, the towering centre-half - who stands at 6ft 5in - knows the importance of patience better than most, but also knows game time is a necessity in his position.
Having signed for the season, the 19-year-old says this has been “the best club” he’s been at for development - which is only increasing his motivation to prove his worth at The Hawthorns beyond the 2024/25 campaign.
In addition to proving himself at a new club, he’s also been helping fellow newbie Joe Wallis settle into the country since his move from New Zealand, with the pair living together and supporting each other during their Baggies journey.
Starting on his recent spell in the team, Parker said: “As a team, performances have been very good.
“Results haven’t always reflected it but at the stage we’re at now, performances are more important.
“I’m happy to be starting. I’ve had to wait a bit of time, but it was good for me and because of the quality in the squad, we can never field a bad XI. That bodes well for the team and it means you have to play well to earn the right to start the next game.
“I have been here before at scholarship level, but decided to sign for Huddersfield. Then I came back last year, but that deal didn’t work out. But yes, it’s third time lucky and I’m really happy to be here.
“Even from the first time, I could tell how good of a club it was so I’m just grateful that I’ve been able to finally sign and I can see I haven’t made the wrong decision.
“I don’t think people will be able to see my pace regularly because of my position, but everyone in the team knows I’m the quickest in the squad and that’a probably my best attribute.
“I moved away from home at 16, so I’m quite used to doing things on my own. It’s quite different for Joe (Wallis - U21 keeper) and helping him settle hasn’t been hard. I think he’s used to it here and he’s done well when he has played.
"Hopefully, he continues like that and we can continue supporting each other.
“It hasn’t been easy going from club-to-club, but it has taught me a lot of valuable lessons.
“I focus on the football and this is the most I’ve enjoyed my football in my career so far Albion. Along with a loan, first-team football, another contract is my aim because I enjoy it here and there is a pathway.
“You see Harry (Whitwell) and Deago (Nelson) on the bench recently, as well as the debuts that were made in the cup game a few weeks before I joined, so hopefully I can excel at this club.
“And as much as we focus on development, speaking personally, I always want to win. We’re hoping to replicate the performance we showed against Southampton when we play Blackburn on Friday, and raise it even higher.
“If we do, then we improve our chances of getting a win. If not, we’ll just keep on trying to perform because as much as we all want to win, the main aim is to get first-team football.
“I’ve been grateful for the opportunities to train with the first team. Obviously, they’ve come because of the amount of injuries in defence, but I feel like I’ve trained well and the senior boys and coaching staff have been good with us younger lads when we’ve stepped up in training.
“It’s been good and for the future, I’d like to make my debut. Whether that’s now or next season, and if not here, then I’d like to get men’s football on loan to develop myself physically.”
How to follow
There will be live updates across our social media channels for Friday's PL2 match against Blackburn Rovers.
The full report, reaction and highlights from the match will be available on the website following the full-time whistle.
